WHO calls for action on childhood hearing loss issues

On World Hearing Day, under the theme 'From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children,' the WHO is urging governments, civil society, and partners across the health and education sectors to take urgent action to protect children's hearing. Key actions include:

Addressing hearing loss through evidence-based interventions.

The WHO provides countries with technical resources to support ear and hearing care, including:

The WHO has also developed training resources to equip health workers with the skills to identify and manage common ear and hearing problems and refer patients to higher levels of care when needed. Integrating these tools into national health care systems can significantly narrow the gap in hearing care access.

A comprehensive package of evidence-based interventions designed for use across primary health care is coming soon, alongside WHOears, a free mobile application for iOS and Android platforms to support the implementation of hearing screening programs in schools and communities. By enabling trained individuals to conduct hearing screenings for children in schools and community settings, the app will broaden access beyond traditional clinic environments and enhance early identification efforts.

"WHO estimates that nearly 60% of ear and hearing problems could be prevented or treated at local health clinics with trained health workers and the availability of required equipment, medicines, and hearing devices," said Ms. Dévora Kestel, Acting Director of the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. "Yet today, over 80% of people who need ear and hearing care do not receive it. This gap has serious consequences for children, affecting their education, psychological well-being, and future livelihoods."

Untreated hearing loss can profoundly affect various aspects of an individual's life, often leading to communication difficulties, social isolation, and withdrawal from activities. This isolation can trigger feelings of loneliness and depression, ultimately impacting overall mental health and well-being.

Furthermore, untreated hearing loss may obstruct educational and professional opportunities. It can negatively influence academic performance in students, making it harder for them to participate in classroom discussions or understand spoken information. In workplaces, individuals with unaddressed hearing issues may struggle with communication, leading to decreased productivity and limited career advancement.

Additionally, untreated hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline. Studies indicate a correlation between hearing loss and an increased risk of conditions such as dementia. Reduced auditory input may diminish brain stimulation, potentially affecting cognitive functions.

In summary, untreated hearing loss can lead to social, emotional, educational, and cognitive challenges, underscoring the necessity of seeking appropriate treatment and support.

Untreated hearing loss affects more than just a child's ability to hear; it can delay speech and language development, hinder cognitive growth, and restrict social interaction. These challenges often lead to poorer educational outcomes, diminished employment prospects, and long-term economic disadvantage.

Preventing avoidable hearing loss, early identification, and timely intervention are essential for improving outcomes for children with hearing loss. Enhancing primary health care systems to incorporate ear and hearing services ensures that children receive necessary care when needed.

For children facing hearing issues, prompt access to affordable, evidence-based interventions—including medications, surgeries, hearing aids, cochlear implants, rehabilitative therapy, sign language, and other assistive technologies like loop systems and captioning—can help avert long-term implications and promote active involvement in educational and community activities.

"Communities and school environments provide a natural and effective platform to reach children with both preventive measures and early care," said Dr. Shelly Chadha, WHO Team Lead for Eye, Ear, and Oral Health. "With practical and affordable solutions now available, no child should be left behind due to unaddressed ear and hearing problems."