Background
The first ever World Report on Hearing was launched in 2021, as a technical guide outlining the ongoing shifts in the global epidemiology of hearing loss, capturing available solutions and current challenges for ear and hearing care and also establishing priorities to be addressed. It highlights the link between addressing hearing loss and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
The rational for hearing screening across the life course is well outlined in the report. The report shows that increasing hearing screening and early intervention coverage during the next 10 years requires an additional annual per capita investment of US$ 1.33. The resulting health gain during the 10-year period would avert nearly 130 million DALYs (disability adjusted life years), benefit 1.4 billion people and yield a return of nearly US$ 16 for each 1 dollar invested.
The World Report on Hearing recommends that World Health Organization (WHO) Member States take urgent and evidence-based policy action to prevent, identify and rehabilitate hearing loss.
To render technical support to the Member States in implementing the recommendation of the world report into, WHO has developed the HEARING screening: considerations for implementation. This handbook provides technical guidance required for establishing evidence-based programmes for hearing screening facilitating early identification and interventions to address hearing loss and related ear diseases in target groups.
The purpose of the handbook is to provide guidance on how to undertake:
- Hearing screening in newborns and infants
- School-based ear and hearing screening
- Hearing screening in older people
Series of Webinars
The WHO invites you to a series of webinar on the HEARING screening: considerations for implementation.
October 6, 2021
Focus on HEARING SCREENING: considerations for implementation guidance on the hearing screening for newborn babies.
Where: via Zoom
To Register:
October 27, 2021
Focus on HEARING SCREENING: considerations for implementation guidance on the hearing screening for school children.
Where: via Zoom
To Register:
November 17, 2021
Focus on HEARING SCREENING: considerations for implementation guidance on the hearing screening for older people.
Where: via Zoom
To Register:
