IV 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 147 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 25, 2019 Mr. Thompson of California (for himself and Mr. McKinley ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of March 3, 2019, as World Hearing Day.

Whereas the sense of hearing plays a critical role in communication and personal and professional relationships, overall health outcomes, psychological well-being, education, and safety; Whereas hearing loss has been tied to impaired communication, learning and academic delays, economic loss, falls, depression, isolation, and cognitive decline; Whereas hearing loss can be a symptom of an underlying treatable medical condition, including infections, tumors, otosclerosis, ototoxicity, and Ménière’s disease; Whereas noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable and significant, often unrecognized, health problem among United States adults and adolescents; Whereas a hearing health care team may include oto­lar­yn­gol­o­gists, audiologists, and hearing-aid specialists; Whereas a comprehensive hearing evaluation includes a comprehensive assessment, rehabilitation through use of hearing aids and other devices, and counseling by educated and trained professionals; Whereas World Hearing Day, founded by the World Health Organization, is observed annually on March 3 to raise awareness on how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care across the world; and Whereas the theme of World Hearing Day 2019 is Check Your Hearing and focuses on hearing loss prevention awareness and promoting access for individuals with hearing loss to necessary rehabilitation services and communication tools: Now, therefore, be it