THE ANNUAL OBSERVANCE HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HEARING AND ADVOCATES FOR ACCESSIBLE HEARING SERVICES.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs joins the global community in observing World Hearing Day 2025 under the theme, 'Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself, Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All.' This annual observance, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights the importance of hearing and advocates for accessible ear and hearing healthcare services worldwide.

Hearing loss is a growing global concern, affecting over 1.5 billion people, with nearly 430 million experiencing disabling hearing loss. By 2030, this number is projected to exceed 500 million, driven by factors such as aging populations, recreational noise exposure, and untreated ear conditions. Early detection and intervention are critical in preventing hearing loss and improving quality of life.

Family Nurse Practitioner and Hearing Technician Nurse Mary Joseph-Sydney emphasized the need for proactive hearing care. "Our future hearing health depends on the actions we take today. Many cases of hearing loss are preventable through safe listening practices and early intervention. Timely rehabilitation is essential for individuals experiencing hearing loss to maximize their potential."

She also highlighted the risks associated with prolonged exposure to loud sounds, particularly among youth. "Over one billion young people are at risk of permanent hearing damage due to unsafe listening habits, including excessive music streaming and video gaming. Adopting safe listening practices is essential to protecting lifelong hearing health,” noted, Hearing Technician, Nurse Sydney.

In Saint Lucia, hearing care services are accessible at the Entrepot and Vieux Fort Wellness Centres, where data from local clinics highlight a rising demand for hearing care. In 2023, a total of 889 new clients attended the hearing clinic, with 943 individuals diagnosed with hearing loss, 63% of whom had disabling hearing loss. By 2024, the number of clients receiving care increased to 1,100, with 64% diagnosed with hearing loss, marking a 2% rise from the previous year.

To enhance awareness and promote hearing care, the Ministry of Health, through the Community Health Hearing Unit, has organized several activities:

Ear and Hearing Health Training for healthcare professionals.

Public Webinar on March 3 at 6:30 PM.

Educational campaigns via radio, public messages, and digital platforms targeting both the public and private sectors.

The Ministry remains committed to advancing ear and hearing care by ensuring accessible services and advocating for early intervention. Individuals are encouraged to adopt safe listening habits, schedule regular hearing check-ups, and support those with hearing loss.