Expressing support for the goals and ideals of "World Hearing Day".

Whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated March 3 as World Hearing Day;

Whereas the theme for World Hearing Day 2023 is Ear and Hearing Care for All;

Whereas approximately 466 million people worldwide, including 34 million children, have disabling hearing loss;

Whereas the WHO estimates that by 2050 over 900 million people—1 in every 10—will have disabling hearing loss;

Whereas approximately 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss and people with hearing impairments wait on average 7 years before seeking help;

Whereas hearing issues are the most common service-connected disability among American veterans;

Whereas the number of adults in the United States 20 years or older with hearing loss is expected to increase from 44.1 million in 2020 to 73.5 million by 2060;

Whereas individuals with mild hearing loss are 3 times more likely to experience a fall, and falls are the leading cause of fatal injury for Americans over 65;

Whereas seniors with hearing loss are more likely to develop cognitive problems and experience cognitive decline up to 40 percent faster than those without hearing loss;

Whereas untreated hearing loss can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation, especially during the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic;

Whereas uneven coverage of and access to hearing technology and services contribute to significant disparities in hearing care; and

Whereas timely access to diagnosis and treatment for hearing and vestibular conditions by qualified hearing health care professionals can improve outcomes and reduce overall cost of care: Now, therefore, be it