International Ear Care Day is on March 3. This day creates awareness about how to prevent hearing loss, and how to take care of and maintain the proper health of our ears. It is an initiative of the World Health Organization. This step was also taken to provide necessary help to people with hearing impairment and help them lead better lives. People observe this day by raising awareness on ear care and helping those in need.
In 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) was founded to oversee healthcare and medical services in countries around the world. The objective was also to prevent the spread of diseases like malaria and tuberculosis in developing countries. The headquarters of the World Health Organization is in Geneva, and has about 141 offices and six regional offices.
In 2015, the World Health Organization initiated the Make Listening Safe campaign. The campaign aimed to educate people, especially teenagers, on the dangers of listening to music at high volumes and other habits that damage the ears. The WHO offered helpful tips such as not listening to music above 85 dB and wearing earplugs when attending a concert. They also encouraged people to get their ears checked by a medical professional once every few months.
The WHO is believed to have chosen the date, March 3, for International Ear Care Day as the date 3/3 resembles the shape of our ears. On this day a theme is selected and the media, non-governmental organizations, and other groups come together to raise awareness on the precautions that need to be taken for maintaining good ear health. This day is also dedicated to people with hearing impairment and their quest to improve the quality of their lives.
The theme of International Ear Care Day is ‘To hear for life, listen with care.’ The WHO wants people to know that it is possible to have good hearing throughout one’s lifespan if good practices are followed. The WHO encourages governments, societies, N.P.Os, and corporations to do their part in raising awareness on ear health and safety, and practicing safe listening.
