GENEVA, Switzerland — More than 95 million children and adolescents worldwide are living with untreated hearing loss, with over 80pc of those in need receiving no care, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
Marking World Hearing Day on Monday, the agency said nearly 60pc of ear and hearing problems could be prevented or treated through basic primary health care interventions.
The burden is heaviest in low- and middle-income countries, particularly across Africa and South-East Asia, where access to ear and hearing services remains limited.
Developmental and Social Impact
WHO cautioned that untreated hearing problems can delay speech and language development, impair cognitive growth, and restrict social interaction. These setbacks often translate into poorer educational outcomes and reduced employment opportunities later in life.
“Communities and school settings provide a natural and effective platform to reach children with both preventive measures and early care. With practical and affordable solutions now available, no child should be left behind due to unaddressed ear and hearing problems,” said Dr. Shelly Chadha, WHO team lead for eye, ear, and oral health.
The agency urged governments, civil society, and partners in the health and education sectors to prioritise early detection and intervention.
Expanding Screening and Tools
To support countries, the WHO has developed technical guidance on hearing screening and school-age vision and hearing care. It has also issued strategies to improve the delivery of hearing aids in low-resource settings.
These resources aim to equip health workers, teachers, and parents with skills to identify common ear and hearing conditions and ensure timely referrals to specialised care.
WHO is also preparing to launch WHOears, a free mobile application for iOS and Android devices. The app will enable trained personnel to conduct hearing screenings in schools and community settings, expanding access beyond traditional clinics.
Officials said integrating ear and hearing care into primary health systems could significantly narrow the global care gap, especially in regions where untreated cases are most prevalent.
The agency emphasised that early action remains critical to protecting children’s development, learning potential, and long-term economic prospects.
