Try out these ways to participate in World Hearing Day!
Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, yet because it is an “invisible” condition, it often goes unrecognized or undertreated. World Hearing Day, observed on March 3 each year, is dedicated by the World Health Organization to raising hearing loss awareness, advocating for better support, and promoting initiatives that can improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss.
This year, look at World Hearing Day as an opportunity to get involved and do your part to help ensure that everyone has the knowledge they need and access to hearing healthcare. Here are six unique ways you can participate:
- Share your story
- Sign up to volunteer
- Repost useful social media content
- Wear hearing loss awareness merchandise
- Join a fundraiser like the Walk4Hearing
Read on to learn how you can get involved with each of these hearing loss awareness activities!
Share your story
Sharing personal stories can be an incredibly powerful way to raise awareness. It can put a face to the issue of hearing loss and help people understand the reality of what living with hearing loss is like. It can also help break down stigmas and encourage people to get their hearing checked, as many people are reluctant to get tested or seek help when they first experience hearing loss symptoms.
Sign up to volunteer
There are many organizations that focus on helping people with hearing loss, including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA). If you have the time, consider signing up to volunteer with one of these groups, or the many other local and national groups that advocate for people with hearing loss. Participating in activities such as informational meetings, fundraisers, and other events can help spread the message and create a sense of community for those affected by hearing loss. Learn about more ways to get involved in hearing loss organizations here!
Repost useful social media content
Whether you’re able to join as a volunteer or not, many of those same organizations host online campaigns to spread awareness of hearing loss. Reposting, retweeting, and sharing content from hearing loss organizations on your accounts can help to ensure that their message reaches a larger audience and can help to promote their mission. Follow ASHA, HLAA, the World Health Organization, and more on your various social media platforms and share your favorite posts!
Join a fundraiser like the Walk4Hearing
Dedicated hearing loss organizations often rely on contributions for their funding. Whether it’s raising awareness, providing hearing aids and equipment to those in need, or supporting research, there are amazing causes that are worth considering for your financial support. You can make donations directly to hearing loss organizations or rally those around you to join in a fundraiser with you. One to check out is HLAA’s Walk4Hearing! Learn more about how Walk4Hearing makes a difference.
Advocate for legislation
The hearing loss community needs strong voices to get involved and push for legislation that protects the rights of people with hearing loss. Consider joining an advocacy group or advocating for legislation yourself to help spread awareness of hearing loss and ensure that those affected have their voices heard.
This World Hearing Day, let’s join together to raise hearing loss awareness and make a real difference in the lives of millions. Next, make sure to read about these other hearing loss events in 2023!
