The Theme “To hear for life, Listen with Care” calls for actions to promote good hearing health practices.

According to the WHO by 2050 one (1) in every four (4) persons or nearly 2.5 billion people will likely have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million people will require rehabilitation. Over one (1) billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.

Good hearing during our lifetime, as well as care for our ears are important elements of good health. There are many causes of hearing loss that are preventable including hearing loss caused by exposure to loud sounds such as those within industries, hearing loss associated with recreational sound exposure by loud music or loud speakers. Hearing loss can also be as a result of unattended ear infections among other causes.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs remains committed to implementing evidence-based standards that promote safe listening for all. Our efforts at screening for hearing impairments in Saint Lucia were aided by the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which conducted three missions during the years 2017-2019. Over one thousand people with hearing impairments were recorded during that period alone. 

Hearing screening is available weekly at the audiology clinics (clinics for hearing tests), Child Health clinics and at community outreach.