This World Hearing Day, experts stress hearing clarity and brain processing over volume, urging South Africans to prioritise regular hearing checks. The day is celebrated on 3 March each year to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world.

The day is celebrated under the theme: “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children”, led by the World Health Organisation. This campaign emphasises early identification, prevention of avoidable childhood hearing loss, and integrating ear care into school health programs.

Health professionals urge South Africans to prioritise regular hearing checks as part of routine healthcare. Initiatives like free screenings make early detection more accessible, helping individuals maintain meaningful communication, protect their hearing, and improve overall quality of life.

“Hearing well should feel natural, not exhausting,” said Spec-Savers Audiology head Olivia Blackbeard. “When hearing starts to change, people often don’t notice it as a loss of sound, but as an increased effort.

“Checking your hearing is about protecting your energy, focus, and overall performance, not just your ears. Hearing loss often goes undetected because it is gradual and invisible, unlike vision changes.”

Adults aged 30 and older should undergo annual hearing checks to establish a baseline and catch subtle changes before they affect energy, communication, and quality of life, she said.

The consequences of untreated hearing changes extend beyond communication. Mental fatigue, irritability, reduced concentration, and social withdrawal are common when the brain is straining to interpret sound.

‘Hearing loss affects one in three adults over 65’

People may find themselves frequently asking others to repeat themselves, turning the TV up louder than others prefer, or experiencing ringing in the ears known as tinnitus. Even social fatigue or declining concentration can signal that hearing is compromised.

Younger people are also increasingly at risk due to noise exposure from headphones, loud music, and modern work environments. Blackbeard recommends following the 60/60 rule.

Listening at 60% of maximum volume for no longer than 60 minutes, to protect hearing. “If you can’t hear someone next to you while using headphones, the volume is too high,” she cautioned.

“Early detection is key. Hearing loss affects one in three adults over 65 and more than 80% of those over 85,” said Blackbeard.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs