What This Bill Does
This resolution expresses support for World Hearing Day and its goals. The House of Representatives supports efforts to raise awareness about hearing loss and improve access to hearing health care and technology for all people.
Who It Affects
The bill does not specify any groups directly impacted by requirements or actions. It expresses congressional support for a cause rather than creating legal obligations for specific people or organizations.
Key Provisions
The House of Representatives supports the goals and ideals of "World Hearing Day" (Resolved, section 1).
The House of Representatives encourages awareness about ways to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care (Resolved, section 2).
The House of Representatives supports efforts to improve access to hearing health care and technology for all individuals (Resolved, section 3).
What Changes
Not specified in bill text. This resolution expresses support for hearing health awareness and access but does not mandate any specific changes to law or government operations.
Important Definitions
The bill states that World Hearing Day is designated as March 3 by the World Health Organization. The theme for World Hearing Day 2023 is "Ear and Hearing Care for All."
IV
118TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. RES. 193
Expressing support for the goals and ideals of ‘‘World Hearing Day’’.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MARCH 1, 2023
Mr. THOMPSON of California (for himself and Mr. FITZPATRICK) 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 des-
ignated March 3 as World Hearing Day;
Whereas the theme for World Hearing Day 2023 is ‘‘Ear and
Hearing Care for All’’;
Whereas approximately 466 million people worldwide, includ-
ing 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 de-
gree of hearing loss and people with hearing impairments
wait on average 7 years before seeking help;
VerDate Sep 11 2014
22:56 Mar 01, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6300
E:\BILLS\HR193.IH
HR193
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
2
•HRES 193 IH
Whereas hearing issues are the most common service-con-
nected disability among American veterans;
Whereas the number of adults in the United States 20 years
or older with hearing loss is expected to increase from
44.1 million in 2020 to 73.5 million by 2060;
Whereas individuals with mild hearing loss are 3 times more
likely to experience a fall, and falls are the leading cause
of fatal injury for Americans over 65;
Whereas seniors with hearing loss are more likely to develop
cognitive problems and experience cognitive decline up to
40 percent faster than those without hearing loss;
Whereas untreated hearing loss can lead to depression, anx-
iety,
and
social
isolation,
especially
during
the
coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic;
Whereas uneven coverage of and access to hearing technology
and services contribute to significant disparities in hear-
ing care; and
Whereas timely access to diagnosis and treatment for hearing
and vestibular conditions by qualified hearing health care
professionals can improve outcomes and reduce overall
cost of care: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
1
(1) supports the goals and ideals of ‘‘World
2
Hearing Day’’;
3
(2) encourages awareness about ways to prevent
4
deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hear-
5
ing care; and
6
VerDate Sep 11 2014
22:56 Mar 01, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\HR193.IH
HR193
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB
3
•HRES 193 IH
(3) supports efforts to improve access to hear-
1
ing health care and technology for all individuals.
2
Æ
VerDate Sep 11 2014
22:56 Mar 01, 2023
Jkt 039200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\HR193.IH
HR193
pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB