[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 187 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 187

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


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 3, 2021

Mr. Thompson of California (for himself and Mr. McKinley) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and 
                                Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 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 2021 is ``Hearing Care for All'';
Whereas World Hearing Day 2021 marks the launch of the first WHO World Report on 
        Hearing, which presents a global call for action to address hearing loss 
        and ear diseases across the life course;
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
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of ``World Hearing Day'';
            (2) encourages awareness about ways to prevent deafness and 
        hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care; and
            (3) supports efforts to improve access to hearing health 
        care and technology for all individuals.
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