World Hearing Day 2021 marks the launch of the first-ever World Report on Hearing.

World Report on Hearing – Executive Summary | DOWNLOAD
Integrated People-Centred Ear and Hearing Care – Policy Brief | DOWNLOAD

Aim

The World report on Hearing aims to provide evidence-based guidance to drive actions for integration of quality extended health care services into national health plans of Member States, as part of their work towards universal health coverage.

Did you know?

• 1 in 5 people worldwide live with hearing loss. By 2050, 1 in 4 people are projected to have problems with their hearing.
• Good hearing and communication are important at all stages of life.
• Hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be avoided through preventative actions such as: protection against loud sounds; good ear care practices and immunization.
• Hearing loss (and related ear diseases) can be addressed when it is identified in a timely manner and appropriate care sought.
• People at risk of hearing loss should check their hearing regularly.
• People having hearing loss (or related ear diseases) should seek care from a health care provider. Wavefront Centre has three hearing clinics in the Lower Mainland to provide support. Click here to book your hearing assessment today.

Public health measures can prevent hearing loss caused by

• Noise and loud sounds
• Birth complications
• Ottis media (middle ear infection)
• Vaccine-preventable diseases such as meningitis
• Ototoxic medicines and chemicals

At every stage in life, hearing loss can be addressed through

• Systematic screening to identify hearing loss early in
  • Newborn babies and infants
  • Pre-school & school-age children
  • People exposed to noise or chemicals at work
  • People receiving ototoxic medicines
  • Older adults

Universal access to quality ear and hearing care is possible through

• Hearing screening & intervention
• Ear disease prevention & management
• Access to technologies
• Rehabilitation services
• Improved communication
• Noise reduction
• Greater Community Engagement

Key recommendations to ensure universal access to quality ear and hearing care

• Develop evidence based policies
• Provide workforce education & training
• Promote task-sharing across workforce & telehealth services
• Include hearing technologies as essential assistive products
• Monitor ear and hearing care (EHC) indicators through National Health Information Systems
• Prioritize impact oriented research