Within the framework of social responsibility and coinciding with World Hearing Day, the Audiology and Balance Unit at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University - Department of Otorhinolaryngology, a member of the World Hearing Forum of the World Health Organization, organized an awareness celebration on the importance of preserving the sense of hearing.

Under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, Prof. Ali El-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, in the presence of Prof. Neama Abdel, WHO Representative in Egypt, Prof. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of Hospitals, Prof. Hesham Anwar, Director of Ain Shams Specialized Hospital, Prof. Hala Sweid, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, Prof. Hesham Taha, Head of the Hearing and Balance Unit at Ain Shams University, Prof. Lobna El-Feki, Head of the Otorhinolaryngology Department at Ain Shams University, Prof. Mohamed Abdel Razek, Medical Director of Ain Shams Specialized Hospital, Prof. Dalia Hassan, Professor of Hearing and Balance Medicine and Coordinator of the Celebration, and senior scholars of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and religious men, under the slogan "Protect your hearing.. Take care of yourself".

Prof. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of University Hospitals, stressed the importance of integration between the Otorhinolaryngology Department and the Audiology Unit, pointing to the efforts made to develop the services provided in this field.

He explained that there are plans to develop and renew the Balance Unit by renewing all the devices in it, due to their obsolescence and consumption over the past years. He also pointed out that the hospital is in the process of purchasing modern devices, as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing the unit and enhancing its efficiency, to ensure the provision of the best medical services to patients according to the latest standards.

In his speech during the celebration, Prof. Nema Abdel, WHO Representative in Egypt, expressed his happiness and pride in participating, praising the effective role played by Ain Shams University in combating infections and non-communicable diseases, in addition to its efforts in promoting public health.

He stressed that "Protect your hearing... Take care of yourself" is not just a slogan, but a fundamental principle in line with the vision of the World Health Organization, as hearing health is an integral part of the integration of individuals into society.

He also stressed the need to raise awareness of the risks of hearing loss, noting that one in two young people is at risk of developing hearing impairment or loss as a result of the unsafe use of audio devices and exposure to loud sounds at events, seminars and parties.

He concluded his speech by emphasizing that the future of our hearing health depends on paying attention to early detection of hearing problems in children, and working to monitor cases of hearing impairment to avoid the risks associated with delayed speech and hearing disorders.

Prof. Hesham Anwar pointed out in his speech that the hearing unit at Ain Shams University Hospital and its counterpart at Ain Shams Specialized Hospital are among the leading units in Egypt and the Middle East, due to their significant role in providing specialized medical services within the Otorhinolaryngology Department.

He also stressed the role of the university in national presidential initiatives, especially in the field of cochlear implants and attention to hearing health, stressing that this attention comes from the social responsibility towards everyone who suffers from hearing problems in Egypt.

He concluded his speech by stressing that the hospital always seeks leadership and excellence in providing specialized medical services, whether within Ain Shams University Hospital or Ain Shams Specialized Hospital, in a way that ensures the highest levels of health care for patients.

In her speech, Prof. Hala Sweid welcomed the attendees, noting that paying attention to hearing health is essential to improving the quality of life for citizens. She also explained that the Hearing and Balance Unit at Ain Shams University provides specialized medical services that contribute to supporting patients and raising community awareness about the importance of early detection of hearing problems, stressing that cooperation between the university and various health institutions enhances the opportunities for providing integrated medical care.

The celebration included a lecture entitled "Changing Concepts" and a presentation of the idea of ​​celebrating World Hearing Day 2025, in which Prof. Nadia Kamal, Professor of Audiology and Balance Medicine at Ain Shams University and Presid*ent of the Association, lectured, as well as a dialogue session to discuss the religious and societal role.

The celebration highlighted the services available to support the hearing impaired and help them integrate into society and achieve a balanced life.

The day's activities also included providing a rapid hearing measurement service for those who wish to do so, as part of the keenness to raise awareness of hearing health and ensure hearing safety for all.

In addition to a number of singing shows presented by the children of the Little Pearls Rehabilitation Center for the Hearing Impaired, ear and hearing care is a right for everyone, and this is the main goal of this celebration in which we are gathered today.

The Hearing and Balance Unit at the Faculty of Medicine, at Ain Shams University, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, seeks to achieve this goal through its efforts in early detection of hearing impairment, diagnosis of hearing and balance diseases, and treatment of hearing impairment.