Putting Hearing Health in Focus: World Hearing Day

World Hearing Day is a global campaign organized annually by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about ear and hearing care. Held on March 3rd each year, this campaign focuses on different themes to highlight important issues related to hearing health. In 2023, the campaign's theme revolved around 'Ear and Hearing Care for All! Let's Make It a Reality.'

Members of TELUS International take part in the campaign to emphasize the significance of ear and hearing care, as well as the prevention of hearing loss. The Hard of Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP) actively participated in World Hearing Day 2023, conducting a hearing screening in partnership with Audibly Hearing Center and advocating for the inclusion of hearing tests and assistive devices.

Statement from Hard of Hearing Group Philippines:

World Hearing Day is an annual global campaign held annually on March 3 by the World Health Organization. Depending on the annual theme, activities, and major thrusts vary. Click here for more information.

We had a hearing screening last March in partnership with Audibly Hearing Center and the talks were on hearing care in line with this year's theme. We also presented to the representative of the NCDA the need for PhilHealth packages to cover hearing tests and hearing assistive devices.

Other events and activities of HOHGP include disability sensitivity training (DST) in LGUs and private firms, policy lobbying with government line agencies (DOH, PhilHealth, MTRCB, NAPC, NCDA among others), and livelihood/employment training/referrals when opportunities present themselves.

As regards our partnership with Telus International, we do not have a formal binding agreement yet but I remember seeing a proposed Memorandum of Agreement which unfortunately was overtaken by circumstances. HOHGP would really be grateful if a formal mutually beneficial agreement could be forged between HOHGP and Telus International. Despite the lack of a binding agreement, we do humbly consider Telus International as one of our invaluable partners in our advocacy and service to our hard-of-hearing members, their carers, and other advocates.

Statement from TELUS International AI:

TELUS AI partnered with HOHGP on World Hearing Day 2023 to promote ear and hearing health globally and assist in spreading awareness of ways to avoid deafness and hearing loss. TELUS AI also demonstrated how we are a deaf-friendly company and fight prejudice at work.

Thoughts from TELUS International AI Representatives:

Judy Ann Abuyan, Sourcing Specialist at TELUS International: “Participating in this event is fun and fulfilling as it allows you to connect with the attendees and have the opportunity to provide potential opportunities for them. My growth professionally and personally benefited from it as well”

Genalyn Clanor: “It is an amazing experience. I'm very grateful to have met individuals like them. This event made me think about my past coworkers who share the same disability, thus I decided to take part. Meeting real-life heroes like them is an honor.”

The partnership between HOHGP and TELUS International AI underscored their dedication to raising awareness about ways to prevent deafness and hearing loss, as well as their commitment to creating an inclusive and deaf-friendly environment. World Hearing Day 2023 serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing ear and hearing care for all individuals, and it encourages continued efforts to make a positive impact in the lives of those with hearing impairments.