World Hearing Day is March 3: Vital Steps to Prevent Hearing Loss and Protect Brain Health

RACINE, WI — Today, March 3, is World Hearing Day, and it’s a great opportunity to get your hearing screened and for your loved ones, especially children, to do the same.

World Hearing Day ss a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care worldwide. The first event took place in 2007 as International Ear Care Day and was later renamed to World Hearing Day in 2016.

Each year, WHO selects a specific theme to focus on various aspects of hearing health. For 2025, the theme is “Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!” This theme emphasizes the importance of individual empowerment in maintaining hearing health and ensuring access to necessary care.

Jeff Gilane of Vita Hearing in Racine underscores the significance of this observance, stating that World Hearing Day “raises awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care.”

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Research backs up World Hearing Day

Research has established a strong link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including dementia.

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine just two years ago found that individuals with moderate hearing loss had a risk of dementia that was 61% higher compared to those with normal hearing. A study from the National Institutes of Health found that hearing aid use was associated with a 32% lower prevalence of dementia among participants with moderate to severe hearing loss.

Gilane uses these studies to stress the importance of hearing health when speaking to clients.

“Hearing is more important than just hearing speech; it’s also brain-related,” he noted. “Addressing hearing loss can help people improve their memory, help them keep focused, and it provides better, efficient problem-solving.”

To maintain optimal hearing health, regular screenings are essential.

The American Medical Association recommends that hearing screenings become a routine part of health and wellness programs, particularly for individuals aged 50 and above.

Preventive measures also play a crucial role in hearing health. Gilane advises protecting ears from excessive noise exposure, such as loud music or industrial environments, by using appropriate hearing protection. He said that safeguarding hearing can preserve cognitive functions and enhance overall quality of life.

“Hearing helps a person’s brain make sense of the wonderful sounds around them—especially those special moments they might be missing out on,” he added.