International Day of Ear and Hearing: Community-Based Interventions in Hearing Loss Prevention

On Saturday 3 March, the World Health Organization observes its International Day for Ear and Hearing. This day aims to raise awareness about hearing loss and prevention through community-based actions.

One such community-based action was presented at this year’s National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) conference. Dr. Billy Martin spoke about the Dangerous Decibels’ new “Listen for Life” program. A partnership between the Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) Department of Public Health, Center for Healthy Communities, and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board seeks to educate school children and their families about hearing loss and prevention. The approach incorporates the Dangerous Decibels program, with the school children learning about hearing loss prevention, and then sharing it with their parents and other members of the community. In addition, public service announcements about hearing loss prevention are aired in community newspapers and on local radio stations.

The key to the program’s effectiveness is the community based approach – friends and family who share the same cultural morals learning from each other over time!!

To learn more about Listen for Life, please visit:
http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/research/listen-for-life-community-involvement/