On the occasion of World Hearing Day on March 3, VARTA Consumer Batteries is participating in an international campaign as part of a global initiative to raise awareness of ear and hearing health. Under the title “So what?”, the campaign picks up on the global motto of the World Health Organization (WHO) and focuses on the importance of healthy hearing in childhood. The aim of the campaign is to prevent avoidable hearing loss in children and to break down existing prejudices and stigmatization. After all, hearing health is a crucial prerequisite for healthy development – if it is neglected, this can have far-reaching consequences.
Lea is eight years old and has been wearing a hearing aid for a year. At first, she was afraid that other children would laugh at her because of it. Today, she confidently says, “So what?” because she knows that taking care of your hearing is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and self-confidence. Lea's story represents children worldwide who are affected by hearing problems but often receive treatment too late or not at all.
Hearing loss in children is often underestimated
Around 90 million children between the ages of 5 and 19 worldwide suffer from hearing loss, but most cases remain undetected.* The consequences are serious: untreated hearing loss not only impairs language development, but also the cognitive and social development of children. What many people don't know is that around 60 percent of hearing loss in children is due to preventable causes.**
The problem often starts with prejudice. Many young people are reluctant to have their hearing tested or to wear a hearing aid. They fear being perceived as “different” and excluded. Hearing aids are avoided because they are supposedly conspicuous or embarrassing, but the opposite is true. Those who actively take care of their hearing health demonstrate responsibility and self-confidence.
How we hear in the future depends on how we care for our ears today. Many cases of hearing loss can be prevented through safe listening and good ear care. Early detection is crucial: the earlier hearing loss is detected, the better the prospects for successful rehabilitation. Regular hearing tests should be a matter of course, not only for children, but at every age.
Reliable energy for every day
Hearing aids need reliable power to perform at their best. Hearing aid batteries from VARTA Consumer Batteries are manufactured in Germany and offer brand quality. The premium batteries are mercury-free, leak-proof, and feature high and stable voltage, which is ideal for modern hearing aids with wireless streaming capabilities.
They connect to smartphones, televisions, and other audio devices via Bluetooth, enabling seamless integration into everyday life. Hearing aid users report a significant improvement in their quality of life: they benefit from greater participation in social life, in their social and family environment, and in leisure activities.
The batteries are available in four different sizes (10, 13, 312, and 675) and are therefore compatible with all standard hearing aid models. Thanks to the clear color coding and size labeling, it is easy to find the right batteries. The practical storage box with a twist knob and resealable battery compartment is easy to use and safe to store. With a guaranteed shelf life of four years, hearing aid batteries from VARTA Consumer are a reliable companion for everyday use.
World Hearing Day on March 3 is an invitation to all of us. Do we take care of our hearing? Do we talk openly about hearing health and encourage children and young people in particular to be confident about their needs? Because the answer to prejudice is simple: a “So what?” nips negative comments in the bud.
*WHO World Hearing Day 2026 who.int/campaigns/world-hearing-day/2026
**WHO factsheet health professional ear and hearing care cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ncds/sdr/deafness-and-hearing-loss/factsheet-health-professional-ear-and-hearing-care.pdf?sfvrsn=4bbe4448_4&download=true
Further VARTA Consumer Batteries product and company information can be found here:
www.varta-ag.com/en/consumer
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