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Organization: Asociación de Implantados Cocleares de Cantabria – Federación AICE
Title: Semana de la Audición – Hearing Week
Alternate tite:
Hearing week – Hearing Week
Description:
HEARING WEEK 2025: RAISING AWARENESS TOGETHER
From February 25th to March 3rd, the Cochlear Implant Association of Cantabria hosted Hearing Week, a campaign dedicated to promoting hearing health and accessibility. This initiative began on International Cochlear Implant Day (February 25th) and culminated on World Hearing Day (March 3rd) with various educational activities.
Activities During Hearing Week:
– Information Booths – Throughout the week, booths were set up at Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander’s City Hall Square, and the University. These booths provided information about hearing loss, cochlear implants, and hearing accessibility. Specialists were available to answer questions and distribute educational materials. Each location allowed engagement with different groups: at the hospital, we interacted with users of hearing aids and cochlear implants; at the university, we spoke with future teachers and professionals who may work with individuals experiencing hearing loss; and in the city center of Santander, despite the poor weather, we reached a diverse group of people interested in our cause. Many individuals took advantage of the opportunity to learn about prevention strategies through small hearing screenings.
– Accessible Theater Performance – A key highlight of the week was the inclusive theatrical performance of the adapted play Juanita sin miedo. This production featured magnetic loop systems, subtitles, and lip-reading support, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. The event also served as an opportunity to raise awareness among children, not only about Hearing Week but also about the importance of understanding emotions.
– Press Conferences and Media Campaigns – The campaign included press conferences and media outreach efforts to emphasize the importance of early detection, accessibility, and inclusion in all aspects of life. A notable moment was an interview on Radio Nacional de España in Cantabria, where key data on hearing loss and the costs of untreated hearing impairments were shared. Additionally, local media outlets were utilized to launch awareness campaigns and conduct an interview with a local politician, further advocating for hearing health and accessibility.
– Educational Activities for Children at local surf competition “La vaca Gigante” – Special programs were organized to educate children about hearing health in an interactive and engaging manner, fostering awareness from an early age and the importance of hearing health on surfers to prevent Otosclerosis and swimmers ear thanks to ear plugs.
– City Hall Illumination – In recognition of Hearing Week, city halls across Cantabria, including Santander, Torrelavega, Laredo, Castro Urdiales, Potes, and Reinosa, were illuminated to symbolize a commitment to improving hearing accessibility and awareness.
– Community Engagement Event: To conclude Hearing Week, a Musical Bingo Night was held at Laredo’s Social Center “Las Rederas” on March 3rd. This event provided an enjoyable and inclusive atmosphere while also serving as a platform to educate older participants about the importance of hearing care and prevention.
Conducting campaigns across different localities and engaging all age groups ensures that hearing health awareness reaches diverse communities. By addressing the needs of children, young adults, professionals, and older individuals, we foster a society that is more inclusive and informed about hearing accessibility. The success of Hearing Week highlights the importance of continuing these efforts to create lasting change.
Primary site: EUR – Spain
Secondary sites: Cantabria
Impactful Story:
During an accessible theater event for World Hearing Day, despite the absence of the scheduled sign language interpreter, a man from Reinosa, a town with limited resources for the deaf, participated. The performance included subtitles and real-time transcription of the actors’ voices, allowing him to fully engage with the show. This small gesture had a significant impact on his experience, as it enabled him to enjoy the event like anyone else. It highlighted the importance of accessibility in underserved areas and how such inclusion can change lives for individuals with hearing impairments.
General Photos
All together celebrating the “Hearing Week” in Reinosa
Ear health and fun with our bingo
The importance of auditory screening on the young
City hall of Laredo illuminated on the 3rd of march
Types of Engagement:
Screening: Yes
Traditional media: Yes
Social media: Yes
Special needs populations:
Participation of policy makers: Yes
Participation of influencers: No