Livonia, Michigan – February 27, 2019
- According to WHO, 466 million people across the globe live with disabling hearing loss, and over one billion people aged 12-35 are at risk of hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sounds. Further, it cites the global cost of unaddressed hearing loss is $750 billion.
WASHINGTON, DC – February 26, 2019 – U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (D-CA) and David McKinley (R-WV) introduced on February 25 a Congressional resolution expressing support for the designation of March 3, 2019, as World Hearing Day by the U.S. House of Representatives. Reps. Thompson and McKinley worked with International Hearing Society (IHS) on the resolution, a reintroduction of the resolution that was first introduced in the 115th Congress, which gained widespread support by hearing-related organizations.
The resolution, H.Res. 147, highlights the critical role hearing ability plays in personal health, relationships, professional success, education, and safety. The resolution also discusses the important role of professional intervention and evaluation through licensed hearing care providers – hearing aid specialists, audiologists, and otolaryngologists, who can recommend and assist with rehabilitation options, which may include medical intervention or the use of assistive hearing technologies like hearing aids.
Reps. Thompson and McKinley serve as co-chairs of the Congressional Hearing Healthcare Caucus, a group of members of Congress who have an interest in hearing-related issues and seek to support and grow awareness of the value of hearing loss prevention, identification, and treatment.
Upon the introduction, Rep. Thompson stated, “Hearing health is critical part of the wholistic health of every individual in our country. Hearing loss impacts millions of Americans but is often overlooked. That’s why I am honored to be introducing a resolution designating March 3 as World Hearing Day, so we may recognize the importance of this issue and continue fighting for solutions to ensure overall positive health outcomes for people across our nation.”
“As Co-Chair of the Hearing Health Caucus and the only member of Congress with a cochlear implant, I know firsthand the challenges people with hearing loss face every day. I’m proud to cosponsor this Resolution,” Rep. McKinley said. “World Hearing Day aims to raise awareness about hearing loss and works to increase access to treatment and services for people with hearing loss.”
IHS President Todd Beyer, ACA, BC-HIS, praised the initiative, “We thank Representatives Thompson and McKinley for raising awareness of the importance of hearing, and hope increased national awareness will help individuals take action to assess their hearing ability and seek assistance as needed.” He went on, “This resolution is well-aligned with IHS’ partnership with Hearing Industries Association on its new Hear Well Stay Vital campaign, which encourages individuals to check their hearing annually.”
Founded by the World Hearing Organization (WHO), World Hearing Day is celebrated annually on March 3 by public and private organizations worldwide. This year’s theme, “Check Your Hearing,” is intended to draw attention to the importance of early identification and intervention for hearing loss. According to WHO, 466 million people across the globe live with disabling hearing loss, and over one billion people aged 12-35 are at risk of hearing loss due to recreational exposure to loud sounds. Further, it cites the global cost of unaddressed hearing loss is $750 billion.
To learn more about IHS, please visit www.ihsinfo.org.
International Hearing Society (IHS) is a membership association that represents hearing healthcare professionals worldwide. IHS members are engaged in the practice of testing human hearing and selecting, fitting and dispensing hearing instruments and counseling patients. Founded in 1951, the Society continues to recognize the need for promoting and maintaining the highest possible standards for its members in the best interests of the hearing impaired it serves. As the membership organization for thousands of independent specialists, IHS conducts programs in competency accreditation, education and training and encourages specialty-level programs for its members. IHS is located in Livonia, Michigan.
