On the World Hearing Day, celebrated on March 3, the Otolaryngology teams of several units in Hospital da Luz network will provide free screenings open to the general population. All those interested are invited to consult the schedules below and conditions of participation. Hearing difficulties may develop at any age – due, for instance, to ear infections (acute or chronic otitis), systemic infections (namely meningitis, mumps), traumatism or recurrent and prolonged exposure to noise – and should be considered, for they may have reversible and treatable causes. The latest statistics indicate that about 5% of the Portuguese population present some degree of incapacitating hear loss, with a considerable impact on communication, education, employment, and social and affective relations. Early intervention in these cases can delay the evolution towards social isolation that deafness often entails. The World Hearing Day is promoted by the World Health Organization with the purpose of alerting to the need of preventing and early detecting hearing loss, as well as raising awareness about the impact of continuous noise on hearing. In 2025, the motto is “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all” – a way of stressing the necessity to ensure that hearing technologies and rehabilitation are accessible to everyone in need. Stay alert to signs that may be associated with hearing loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are fundamental to the best recovery level possible. Take the screening! Places, dates, and times: Hospital da Luz Clínica de Cerveira 3 March 2025, Otolaryngology Service, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. No prior appointment required. Hospital da Luz Lisboa Screenings destined to adults over 65. 5 March 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., ground 0 Hospital da Luz Clínica da Amadora Screenings destined to adults over 65. 3 March 2025, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., ground 0 No prior appointment required. Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas Screenings destined to adults over 30. 3 March 2025, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., ground 0 No prior appointment required.
