IV 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 193 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 designated 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, including 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 degree of hearing loss and people with hearing impairments wait on average 7 years before seeking help; Whereas hearing issues are the most common service-connected 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, anxiety, 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 hearing 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