Ear and hearing care

Hearing loss and deafness is a partial or complete decline in hearing capacity in one or both ears. People of any age can have hearing loss or deafness.

Most people with hearing loss have a partial inability to hear. For example, some people might be able to hear low-pitched sounds better than high-pitched sounds, or might have one ear that hears better than the other. People with profound or complete hearing loss (deafness) represent approximately 1–2% of the total population of people with hearing loss.

In the European Region approximately 190 million people have some hearing loss or deafness. This represents 20% of the population. In other words, 1 in 5 people have some hearing loss or deafness.

Prevention of hearing loss and deafness is essential throughout the life course – from prenatal and perinatal periods to older age. In children, nearly 60% of hearing loss is due to avoidable causes that can be prevented through implementation of public health measures, such as vaccination and maternal and neonatal care. In adults, common causes of hearing loss, such as exposure to loud noise and ototoxic medicines, are preventable.

There are 3 global ear and hearing care targets for 2030:

1. A 20% relative increase in the effective coverage of newborn hearing screening services. Countries with effective coverage rates below 50% should strive for a minimum of 50% effective coverage. Countries with effective coverage rates of 50–80%, should strive for a 20% relative increase in effective coverage. Countries with effective coverage rates currently above 80% should strive for universal coverage. Countries with population groups covered by newborn hearing screening services should ensure a coverage of 95% or above.
2. A 20% relative reduction in the prevalence of chronic ear diseases and unaddressed hearing loss in school-age children, aged 5–9 years.
3. A 20% relative increase in the effective coverage of adults with hearing loss that use hearing technology (that is, hearing aids and implants). Countries with effective coverage rates below 50% should strive for a minimum of 50% effective coverage. Countries with effective coverage rates of 50–80% should strive for a 20% relative increase in effective coverage. Countries with effective coverage rates currently above 80% should strive for universal coverage.
   

    

The vision for integrated people-centred ear and hearing care is one where all people have equal access to quality ear and hearing care services that are integrated into national health services and that meet their needs across their life course; respect social preferences; are coordinated across the continuum of care; and are comprehensive, safe, effective, timely, efficient and acceptable. Furthermore, the health-care workforce providing integrated people-centred ear and hearing care should be motivated, skilled and operate in a supportive environment.

WHO/Europe provides technical support to its Members States towards people-centred ear and hearing care that is integrated into their national health systems. WHO/Europe raises awareness on the prevalence and consequences of ear and hearing conditions. We advocate for affordable, accessible, appropriate and inclusive ear and hearing care; we strengthen research and evidence related to ear conditions and their care; and we help with setting, monitoring and surveilling people-centred ear care targets.