World Hearing Day 2019 - Download a Free Hearing Test App
- by John Gil
- 2 min reading time
In honor of World Hearing Day 2019, the World Health Organization has released a free accessible hearing test app. It works in conjunction with this year's theme- early identification and intervention- which is core to our mission at BuddyPhones.
Every year, World Hearing Day is celebrated in early March to raise awareness about preventing hearing loss and promoting healthy hearing habits in countries around the world. Each year, the World Health Organization chooses a new theme and develops advocacy materials on the topic. The materials are shared with governments and organizations globally to create a large network of advocates all working towards the same cause. The WHO even organizes an annual World Hearing Day seminar at its headquarters in Geneva.
"This year's theme is particularly close to our mission here at BuddyPhones- early intervention and identification."
Check Your Hearing
For World Hearing Day 2019, we will all join forces to draw attention to the importance of early identification and intervention for hearing loss. Many people live with hearing loss, often without realizing it. The simple act of getting a hearing test could be the first step towards addressing the issue.
The World Health Organization says, "early detection of hearing loss is crucial for its effective rehabilitation. In order to ensure that hearing loss is noticed as early as possible, all people should check their hearing from time to time, especially those who are at a higher risk of hearing loss. They include people who often listen to loud music, work in noisy places, use medicines that are harmful to hearing, or who are above 60 years old."
Hearing Test App
To help give access to hearing checks, the WHO has developed a mobile and web-based software application. Using a hearing screener, the app checks your hearing status and monitors it over time. The simple app clearly displays results and keeps a personalized track record over time.
Source: www.appinstitute.com
"The app is especially recommended for those who commonly listen to loud music over personal audio devices."
It can also be used by health workers to screen people in the community for hearing loss and refer them for diagnostic testing if they fail the screening.
Download the App
You can use this link to download the app, or go to the Apple Store or Google PLAY.
Source: https://www.who.int/deafness/world-hearing-day/en
Featured image illustration by Keith Negley for NYT
