Today, on World Hearing Day, we join global health organizations in recognizing the vital importance of hearing care—especially for our youngest learners. This year’s theme, “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children,” reminds us that hearing health is foundational to childhood development, communication, academic success, and long‑term well‑being.
Hearing loss in children is both common and often preventable. Early identification and timely intervention can change the entire trajectory of a child’s life, yet millions of children worldwide still lack access to routine hearing screenings, essential treatment, and supportive educational environments. As members of a medical and academic community, we share a responsibility to raise awareness, strengthen advocacy, and help build systems where every child—regardless of background—has equitable access to hearing care.
How You Can Get Involved
To support today’s young people and help expand awareness across our community:
- Educate: Share evidence-based information about childhood hearing health with classmates, patients, and families—especially the importance of early screening and noise‑exposure prevention.
- Engage: Participate in or organize local school outreach, offering brief presentations or resources on hearing protection, safe listening habits, and signs of hearing difficulty.
- Advocate: Use your voice to support accessible hearing screenings in community centers, early childhood programs, and school health initiatives.
- Promote Awareness: Amplify World Hearing Day messages on social media or within student groups to highlight the significance of hearing care for children and young adults.
- Volunteer: Connect with local audiologists, community health clinics, or student-run organizations that provide screenings or education to underserved populations.
Together, we can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, communicate, and thrive without the barriers of unrecognized or untreated hearing challenges.
Please join the DICE Office as we honor 2026 Language, Speech, and Hearing Month with “Turn it Up – But Protect Your Hearing: Enjoying Concerts Without Lasting Damage!”
As Dartmouth gears up for 2026 Green Key Concert series, we would like to start the conversation around hearing protection is self-care. We are excited to invite you to a panel discussion on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:00pm in Kellogg, room 200. We will have local audiologist, a music professor and you to discuss the importance of protecting your hearing while enjoy the music. Lunch will be served so please RSVP below to ensure we have enough food for all.
Hearing Protection Is Self-Care
Just like sunscreen protects your skin, ear protection safeguards your hearing. Making earplugs part of your concert routine helps ensure a lifetime of enjoying music, conversations, and moments that matter.
Featured Panelists:
- Dr. Michael A. Casey, Francis and Mildred Sears Professor of Music at Dartmouth College
- Nicci Maynard (clinical audiology) from Johnson Audiology
- Dr. Danielle Shine (clinical audiology) from Johnson Audiology
Moderator:
Sue J. Lee, Medical student, Geisel School of Medicine
Please RSVP here: https://dartmouth.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8J8OOXFQS90fcTI
Hear Better. Live Better.
Hearing loss often develops gradually—and many people don’t notice it right away. A quick hearing test can help identify concerns early and support better communication, learning, and overall well-being. Join us on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 12:00pm – 2:00pm for free hearing test in Remsen Hall, Room 328 . THIS IS OPEN TO ALL!!!
Please RSVP via link: https://dartmouth.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vVZuIX99lVIaBE
What to Expect
- Quick, painless hearing screening
- Results explained by a hearing professional
- Recommendations for next steps if needed
- No cost • No referral required
Who Should Attend?
- Students, faculty, and staff
- Anyone exposed to loud noise (concerts, earbuds, work, or hobbies)
- Individuals experiencing ringing in the ears
- Anyone who hasn’t had a hearing test recently