Empower Ears Everywhere: WHO’s Mission to Bring Hearing Care to Everyone
Discover how the World Health Organization (WHO) is addressing the rise in global hearing loss. Learn about the urgent need to change mindsets, promote awareness, and invest in cost-effective interventions. Explore regional efforts in countries like Bangladesh and Myanmar, and join the commitment to creating a healthier, more inclusive future.
The World Health Organization (WHO) marks World Hearing Day on March 3 each year to spread awareness about preventing deafness and hearing loss, as well as to advocate for ear and hearing care globally. Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, emphasized this year’s theme, urging everyone to focus on “Changing Mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!”
Wazed acknowledged persisting challenges due to societal misconceptions and stigmas surrounding hearing issues. In a statement, she emphasized the need to address these challenges by raising awareness and sharing information, targeting both the public and healthcare providers. Global estimates suggest that over 1.5 billion people are affected by hearing loss, with nearly 80% residing in low- and middle-income countries. In the South-East Asia region alone, around 400 million people currently face ear and hearing problems.
Regrettably, these numbers are on the rise, and projections indicate that by 2050, the region could see over 660 million individuals grappling with ear and hearing issues. Despite the availability of effective and cost-efficient interventions, over 80% of global ear and hearing care needs remain unmet, underscoring the urgency to address this issue.
Hearing loss carries significant consequences for language development, psychological well-being, quality of life, educational achievement, and economic independence. Many common causes of hearing loss, such as birth-related problems or ear diseases, can be prevented, and effective medical, surgical, and rehabilitative interventions exist for those with ear or hearing problems.
The economic toll of unaddressed hearing loss is substantial, with a global annual cost of nearly USD 1 trillion and a regional cost of USD 110 billion. By dedicating only $1.33 per person each year to ear and hearing care within healthcare systems, the potential returns could be outstanding—nearly $16 for every dollar invested over the course of a decade. Saima Wazed emphasized the importance of sustained investment, promising significant returns and a substantial reduction in unaddressed hearing loss costs.
Wazed expressed satisfaction that several Member States in the region, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal, have prioritized ear and hearing care. These countries have conducted situational assessments and are progressing toward strategic development to strengthen ear and hearing care services. Initiatives like integrated services in Myanmar and free hearing aids for children in Bhutan showcase positive steps.
Collaborating with and providing technical support to the Government of India, the WHO aims to redesign the National Program for Prevention and Control of Deafness. Additionally, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health plans to develop a roadmap for ear and hearing disorder prevention and control, with WHO’s support.
Looking ahead, Wazed outlined regional priorities, including accelerating people-centered ear and hearing care services, promoting safe listening practices, advocating for research and data generation, and strengthening human resources. He concluded by urging a collective commitment to changing mindsets related to ear and hearing care, emphasizing the impact on lives and livelihoods. Clearing up misunderstandings, spreading awareness, and championing more investment and integration in primary healthcare can lead us towards a healthier and more inclusive future.
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