The Directorate of University Health Services (DUHS) has marked the 2025 World Hearing Day (WHD) on the theme; ‘Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself. Make ear and hearing care a reality for all.”

The event was to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss by promoting ear and hearing care across the world.

World Hearing Day is celebrated annually on March 3 as an advocacy platform to raise awareness on how to prevent hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

By 2050, the World Health Organisation (WHO) projects that nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation.

WHO further warns that over one billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

A Licensed Audiologist at DUHS, Ms. Sandrah Nketsiaba Saah, explained that the celebration was in line with the calendar month of the WHO.

Ms. Sandrah Nketsiaba Saah addressing the gathering

Ms. Saah advised against the frequent use of cotton buds and match sticks to clear dirt from the ears as the practice was dangerous.

She said the frequent use of earpieces and headphones on high volumes for prolonged hours could cause hearing loss, especially when the sound level is above 80 decibels.

The Audiologist said it was necessary for people who use earpieces to take breaks in between and keep the volume of the gadget below 60 per cent. 

She urged the public to visit the hospital twice a year for screening to prevent hearing loss.

Ms. Saah said the ear must be preserved and taken care of through regular checks, avoiding activities that would harm it such as inserting objects into the ear, and reporting to the hospital when unusual things were observed in and around the ear.

For her part, an Ear and Nose Nurse at DUHS, Ms. Patricia Assabil, warned the public against the use of earbuds to remove wax from the ears, adding that it was unsafe and could lead to hearing impairment.

According to her, the ear wax, also referred to as cerumen, plays an important role in the ear by helping to lubricate, prevent infection, and trap dirt and insects from entering the ear.

The event was chaired by the Nurse Manager at DUHS, Mr. Thomas Tamag.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC