On Monday, Guyana joined the global community in observing World Hearing Day 2025 themed: “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All”. This theme underscores the importance of awareness, education, and proactive measures to protect and preserve hearing health for individuals of all ages.
Hearing loss is a significant public health issue that affects millions worldwide, and Guyana is no exception. The Presidential Commission for the Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Permanent Mission of Guyana, and the Embassy of Guyana in Geneva, stands in solidarity with global efforts to highlight the urgency of ear and hearing care. It is imperative that we recognise hearing health as a crucial component of overall well-being and integrate it into our national healthcare strategy.
Since first observing World Hearing Day in 2007, Guyana has made commendable strides in improving ear and hearing care. The Government of Guyana (GoG) and the MoH have expanded access to hearing screenings, particularly among vulnerable populations such as newborns and schoolchildren.
One of the most notable advancements is the introduction of audiological screening for all newborns at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and regional hospitals. This early intervention is vital, as detecting hearing impairments in infancy allows for timely interventions that can significantly enhance a child’s development and quality of life.
Additionally, the expansion of the hearing aid programme has provided crucial support for individuals diagnosed with disabling hearing loss. In 2023 alone, nearly 8000 schoolchildren were screened, and 1361 hearing aids were distributed—a testament to the Government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare. The joint School Health Program by the MoH and the Ministry of Education further reinforces this commitment by ensuring that children with hearing or vision impairments receive the necessary assistive devices.
Despite these commendable efforts, significant challenges remain. One of the leading causes of hearing loss is prolonged exposure to loud noise, which is a prevalent issue in Guyana. From the blaring music in minibuses to excessive noise levels at bars and public events, environmental noise pollution remains a persistent problem. While interventions have been introduced, enforcement has been inconsistent. The authorities must implement noise regulations with greater vigilance to protect citizens from preventable hearing damage.
Moreover, while the GPHC has improved its scope of services for ear and hearing care, integration within primary and secondary healthcare facilities remains inadequate. More effort is needed to expand hearing care services to regional hospitals and to ensure that all children and individuals over 60 undergo routine hearing screenings. The reality is that over 60 per cent of ear and hearing conditions can be addressed at the primary care level, but this requires substantial investment in training healthcare professionals and expanding primary care infrastructure.
The global burden of hearing loss is projected to increase dramatically. By 2030, over 500 million people are expected to have disabling hearing loss requiring rehabilitation. Moreover, over one billion young people are at risk due to prolonged exposure to loud music and video gameplay. This is a stark reminder that our actions today will determine the hearing health of future generations.
The Presidential Commission for the Prevention of NCDs urges every Guyanese to participate in Government-led initiatives promoting good ear health. This means adopting safe listening habits, undergoing regular hearing checks, and supporting those who require hearing rehabilitation. It is imperative that we empower individuals to take control of their hearing health by providing accessible and affordable healthcare services.
Hearing is an essential sense that connects persons and enriches daily life. While Guyana has made progress in addressing hearing loss, more needs to be done to expand access, strengthen preventive measures, and enhance public awareness while addressing noise nuisance.
