Hearing Monitoring Mobile App

WHO Introduces New Hearing Monitoring Mobile App:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a free mobile app, hearWHO, that allows people to check their hearing regularly and intervene early in case of hearing loss ahead of World Hearing Day. The hearWHO app is based on a validated digits-in-noise technology where users are asked to concentrate, listen, and enter a series of three numbers into their mobile devices when prompted. These numbers will be recorded against varying levels of background sound, simulating listening conditions in everyday life. The app then displays the users' score and its meaning, and stores the outcome of the test so that the user can monitor his or her hearing status over time. Reminders to take the test regularly can be set by users. The app can be used by individuals who are often exposed to high levels of noise, those who take medications that are harmful to the ear, and those above 60. It can also serve as a tool for health providers to facilitate hearing screening, especially in low-resources settings. 

Shelly Chadha, MBBS, MS, PhD, a WHO technical officer, said this app will help increase awareness of the importance of ear and hearing care. "Once lost, hearing does not come back. Through World Hearing Day, and with the support of this app, we encourage people to 'Check your hearing!' in order to help preserve this valuable gift that helps us to enjoy life," she said. 

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Published: 3/1/2019 1:30:00 PM