In a world where sound connects us, where laughter, music, and conversation weave the fabric of our daily lives, hearing loss remains a silent epidemic, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful.
Globally, an estimated 466 million people, representing 6.1% of the world’s population, live with disabling hearing loss, a number projected to surge to 630 million by 2030 and over 900 million by 2050.
This growing crisis disproportionately impacts children in low- and middle-income regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Asia-Pacific, where access to hearing care is often limited or non-existent.
On March 3, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) marked World Hearing Day under the theme “Changing mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all.” This year’s campaign sought to dismantle societal misperceptions and stigma surrounding hearing loss while advocating for the integration of ear and hearing care into primary healthcare systems as a cornerstone of universal health coverage.
In Ghana, the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) and the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) spearheaded a two-day event to commemorate the day. The celebration kicked off with a community outreach and public engagement activity in James Town, a vibrant coastal community in the Ga Mashie District of the Greater Accra Region.
A Community Transformed
James Town, known for its bustling fishing industry and rich cultural heritage, became the epicentre of a transformative health initiative. Residents, including schoolchildren, lined up to have their ears screened and assessed by healthcare professionals. For many, it was their first encounter with hearing care services.
“I didn’t realize my child had a hearing problem until today,” said Naa Atswei, a petty trader and a mother of three. “She often struggled in school, and we thought she was just shy. Now we know what to do, and we’re grateful for the help.”
The outreach was more than just a medical intervention; it was a step toward changing mindsets. “Many people in our communities don’t see hearing loss as a serious health issue,” said Mr. Andrew Muniru Nantogmah, head of Communications and Public Engagement at WACCBIP and a lead organizer of the event. “Through education and awareness, we’re helping people understand that hearing care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.”
The event also provided free treatments, including the removal of impacted earwax and the distribution of eardrops for those in need. Community members were sensitised to identify early signs of hearing loss, ensuring that the impact of the outreach would extend far beyond the two-day event.
A Call to Action
Following the community outreach, a seminar was held at the UGMC auditorium, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community leaders. The discussions centred on the critical role of public engagement in shifting perceptions and empowering communities to prioritize ear and hearing care.
“Hearing loss is often invisible, but its impact is profound,” said Dr. Rabiatu Abdulai, a representative of the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) unit of the Ghana Health Service and a keynote speaker at the seminar.
“It affects education, employment, and social connections. Children with untreated hearing loss often struggle in school, while adults face barriers to employment and social isolation. By integrating hearing care into primary healthcare systems, we can ensure that no one is left behind.”
The seminar also highlighted the multifaceted causes of hearing loss, including genetics, infections, medication side effects, head trauma, excessive noise exposure, and impacted earwax. With the increasing use of personal audio devices and exposure to loud environments, the need for preventive measures and early intervention has never been more urgent.
A Global Crisis Demanding Local Solutions
The WHO’s call to “change mindsets” resonates deeply in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where hearing loss is often stigmatized and misunderstood. In many communities, hearing impairments are attributed to spiritual causes, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment.
“We need to change the narrative,” said Ms. Habiba Sumaila, head of the Audiology unit at the UGMC and also a lead facilitator of the seminar. “Hearing loss is a medical condition, not a curse. By educating communities and training healthcare workers, we can break down these barriers and ensure that people get the care they need.”
The event also showcased innovative solutions, such as public engagement docudramas on hearing impairment and other community-based programmes, which have proven effective in reaching underserved populations.
A Vision for the Future
World Hearing Day 2025 served as a rallying cry for global action. The WHO’s call to “change mindsets” underscores the importance of addressing stigma, improving access to care, and fostering a world where ear and hearing care is accessible to all.
As the sun set on the two-day event in Accra, the message was clear: hearing care is a human right, and together, we can make it a reality for everyone. The success of the James Town outreach and the UGMC seminar demonstrated the power of community engagement and collaboration in driving meaningful change.
“This is just the beginning,” said Ms. Habiba Sumaila. “We’ve seen what’s possible when we come together. Now, it’s up to all of us—governments, healthcare providers, and communities—to build on this momentum and ensure that no one is left behind.”
Acknowledgements
The success of this year’s World Hearing Day event would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors who share the vision of making ear and hearing care accessible to all. Special thanks to LabMart Ltd, Add Pharma, Voltic Mineral Water, and Twellium Industrial Company Ltd for their invaluable contributions.
Their commitment to improving public health and supporting community initiatives has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals.