World Hearing Day - March 3, 2017

March 3rd is World Hearing Day

Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss. And once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. Hearing loss is costly. The cost for the first year of hearing loss treatment in older adults is projected to increase more than 500% from $8 billion in 2002 to an estimated $51 billion in 2030. Hearing loss from loud noise can be prevented. About 70% of people exposed to loud noise never or seldom wear hearing protection.

CDC supports the World Health Organization's World Hearing Day, an annual event held on March 3rd. World Hearing Day was designated at the First International Conference on Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Impairment in Beijing, China in 2007. The day aims to raise awareness and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

The theme for the World Hearing Day 2017 is "Action for hearing loss: make a sound investment'. This aims to draw attention to the economic impact of hearing loss and cost effectiveness of interventions to address it. Hearing loss is costly. The cost for the first year of hearing loss treatment in older adults is projected to increase more than 500% from $8 billion in 2002 to an estimated $51 billion in 2030.

Go to CDC's new website to learn more:

Loud Noise Can Cause Hearing Loss