Each year on March 3rd, World Hearing Day is observed to increase global awareness about preventing deafness and hearing loss, and to advocate for ear and hearing care worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 430 million individuals worldwide, comprising over 5% of the global population, require rehabilitation to address disabling hearing loss, including 34 million children. Projections indicate that by 2050, this number will surge to over 700 million, affecting 1 in every 10 people. Disabling hearing loss (defined as a hearing loss exceeding 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear) predominantly affects nearly 80% of individuals in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, the prevalence of hearing loss escalates with age, with over 25% of individuals older than 60 experiencing disabling hearing loss. (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss)
Health experts encourage us to care for our ears by: lowering the volume, stepping away from excessive noise, scheduling intervals away from loud environments, steering clear of activities and places with high noise levels and using hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs) when in noisy or loud environments.
As we observe World Hearing Day, let us not only consider the physical aspect of hearing but also the spiritual significance of listening to God’s voice. Just as it is crucial to maintain our physical hearing for communication and engagement with the world around us, it is equally vital to keep our hearts finely tuned to the sound of God’s voice.
Scripture tells us in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” This verse highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people, drawing attention to the importance of recognizing and responding to His voice. Just as a shepherd’s sheep distinguish his voice from others, we must train ourselves to discern God’s voice amidst the noise of the world.
Proverbs 4:23 encourages us to, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” This verse reminds us of the significance of protecting our hearts, which includes safeguarding our spiritual ears from harmful influences that could hinder our relationship with the Lord. Just as exposure to loud and damaging noise can impair our physical hearing, exposure to negative influences can harm our spiritual sensitivity and discernment. We must protect our hearts from distractions, temptations and negative influences that could hinder our walk with God.
Let’s allow the wisdom of Psalm 95:7 to echo within our souls: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” May we always be ready to receive God’s voice and respond with open hearts. In a world filled with distractions and noise, it’s easy to become deaf to the gentle whispers of God. Yet, this verse reminds us of the urgency of the present moment – “Today” – urging us not to delay in listening to His voice. It is a call to attentive listening, a call to soften our hearts in humble obedience to His will.
On this World Hearing Day, let us commit to fine-tuning our hearts to the sound of God’s voice and protecting our spiritual ears from anything that could hinder our relationship with Him. May we cultivate a sensitivity to His leading and respond obediently to His voice. Let us say as Samuel did: “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10).