Editorial

Abstract

Dr.Shelly Chadha, MDRecent World Health Organization (WHO) estimates suggest that about 5.4 percent of the world population lives with disabling hearing loss; that's 360 million people, including 32 million (9%) children. The prevalence of disabling hearing loss in children is greatest in South Asia, Asia Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa. Most conditions that lead to hearing loss can be prevented or managed through early and appropriate intervention. This fact was recognized by the World Health Assembly as far back as 1995, when a resolution was passed urging Member States to “prepare national plans for the prevention and control of major causes of avoidable hearing loss, and for early detection in babies, toddlers, and children, as well as in the elderly, within the framework of primary healthcare” (WHA 48.9). This resolution has formed the basis of the present WHO Program for Prevention of Deafness and Hearing Loss (PDH), which is focused on promoting primary ear and hearing care (PEHC) as part of the primary healthcare systems of the Member States. PEHC is a strategy to address hearing loss as well as the ear diseases that cause it. PEHC programs are based on the dual principles of: Raising awareness at all levels of the community, health system, and political system. Improving access to ear and hearing care services, including medical and surgical management, hearing devices, rehabilitation, and sign language education. WHO recognizes that medical management of hearing loss alone is not enough. Education, livelihood options, and social inclusion need to be considered, with suitable linkages to relevant programs or units established. Dr.Gretchen Stevens, DScIn order to achieve these objectives, WHO is engaged in advocacy and provides technical guidance and support in the development of community-based plans for reducing the burden and impact of hearing loss. In 2012, a national strategy for ear and hearing care was developed in Malawi, Nicaragua, the Republic of Guinea, and Sri Lanka. PDH understands the great need to promote access to hearing devices across the world and to make them available and affordable. Working toward this goal, the WHO held a consultation with experts in the fields of hearing and technology transfer initiatives. A key advocacy tool is International Ear Care Day, which was established in 2007 and is observed on March 3. This year, the day was marked by the release of new global estimates for hearing loss, and community activities were organized in many countries across the world. In the coming years, PDH plans to sensitize an increasing number of Member States to the necessity of promoting ear and hearing care, and to support them in the development of national strategies and plans to address hearing loss. It also aims to provide fresh options for improving availability of and access to hearing aids, as well as guidance on various aspects of ear diseases and hearing loss. The strength of WHO lies in its ability to develop partnerships with Member States, international agencies, professional bodies, and civil organizations. With sustained effort and cooperation, we can effectively reduce the adverse impact of hearing loss in countries across the world.