Organization: Groupe d’Etude et de Recheche sur la Surdité au Bénin
Title: 14ème journée Mondiale de l’audition : L’audition pour la vie : ne laisser pas la perte auditive vous limiter
Al title (for format and translation – not permanent:
The 14th jou
Description:
On the occasion of World Hearing Day, celebrated on March 3, 2026, the Study and Research Group on Deafness in Benin (GERESBE) organized its annual conference-debate dedicated to promoting hearing health.
Held under the theme:
“Hearing for life: do not let hearing loss limit you,”
this edition is part of a global effort to raise awareness about the impact of hearing loss on quality of life, social inclusion, and human development.
This scientific gathering brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, students, policymakers, and civil society stakeholders in an interactive setting for exchange and knowledge sharing.
The presentations focused in particular on:
* the principles of hearing assessment, including air conduction and bone conduction;
* methods for evaluating auditory function;
* diagnostic approaches to different types of hearing loss.
Through this initiative, GERESBE reaffirms its commitment to the prevention, early detection, and management of hearing disorders in Benin.
This event also contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems and promote equitable access to hearing care services, in line with international public health priorities, particularly those aimed at reducing the global burden of hearing loss.
Primary site: AFR – Benin
Region: AFR
Secondary sites:Austria, Germany
Impactful Story:
Grace, was seen as a quiet and struggling student, often misunderstood by her teachers. During a community screening by GERESBE, she was diagnosed with moderate hearing loss. With timely care and support, her life changed, she became more confident, engaged, and successful in school.
At the same time, awareness sessions encouraged families to seek early care, reducing harmful practices. Meanwhile, a trained health worker, Koffi, began providing essential ear care locally, improving access for many.
Grace’s story shows how early detection, prevention, and training can transform lives and communities.
General Photos
presentation
Types of Engagement:
Live event: Yes
Screening: No
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: No
Special needs populations: persons with disabilities (including hearing loss), children and adolescents, older adults
Met with individual policymaker: Yes
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No
WHO technical tool used: No
WHO educational and social media used: Yes