02 Mar 2022

Many young people in Botswana are likely to go deaf as time goes by. They are among more than one billion youths facing the same fate from around the world owing to their penchant for loud music.

And that number is growing. Loss of hearing has become such a worrisome issue that the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2007 designated the 3rd of March of every year, as a day to educate people about deafness and the importance of improved hearing care.

Today, Botswana will join the rest of the world in commemorating the day, which was formerly called International Ear Care Day, but was renamed World Hearing Day in 2016, says release.

The theme of the day is apt: ‘To hear for life, listen with care.’

Not only does it underscore the importance of safe listening practices to ensure and maintain good and healthy hearing; it is also an exhortation to take heed of warning messages and to avoid loud music.

“The WHO estimates that more than 1 billion young people across the world may be at risk of permanent hearing loss, as they often play loud music for long periods of time,” says the release

It further says loud noise does not only put young people’s hearing at risk, but it also results in increased levels of stress and fatigue, which may affect their motivation and lead to reduced focus and low productivity.

As the number of people losing their hearing and those at risk of losing it continue to increase, the WHO has called for greater observance of safer hearing practices.

“The ministry therefore, urges all Batswana and residents of this country to ensure that they take the necessary precautions to avoid losing their hearing,” says the release.

The Ministry, says the release, advises those experiencing challenges with hearing to immediately seek health care intervention because delaying may lead to disease deterioration, which may affect other aspects of a person’s development, such as speech. Ends