Global Call for Hearing Health And WHO Decision

The Global Call for Hearing Health And WHO Decision – Why It Matters

By Dr. Syed Akbar Abbas, ENT Surgeon, Aga Khan University

Assalamu Alaikum, my name is Dr. Syed Akbar Abbas, and I am an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgeon at Aga Khan University. My primary area of specialization focuses on ear-related conditions, hearing loss, and the surgical and non-surgical treatments associated with them.

In 2017, the World Health Assembly (WHA) passed a significant resolution to address the growing concern of hearing health globally. The aim was twofold:

1. Promote Awareness for Hearing Health: To raise awareness about hearing health across all stages of life—from childhood to old age—highlighting the importance of early detection and management of hearing issues.
2. Advocate Policy Integration: To encourage governments worldwide to incorporate hearing health into their national healthcare policies, ensuring hearing care becomes an essential and integrated part of public health systems.

This resolution stressed that hearing health should no longer be a neglected issue but rather a critical component of healthcare policy. In many countries, hearing care is now a vital part of their national health strategies. However, in countries like ours, while there has been some progress at the provincial level, we still lack a unified, nationwide hearing health policy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health bodies emphasize a dual approach:

• Utilizing Modern Technology: Leverage cutting-edge technologies to improve hearing outcomes, including advanced hearing aids, cochlear implants, and diagnostic tools.
• Legislative and Policy Action: Governments must ensure that legal frameworks support universal access to these modern technologies, making them available to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.

The importance of this resolution lies in its potential to drastically reduce the burden of hearing loss globally. If properly implemented, such initiatives can prevent avoidable hearing loss and improve the quality of life for millions.

Hearing Health Why is this relevant?

Hearing loss is not just a medical issue; it impacts education, employment, social integration, and overall mental health. Globally, over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, with nearly 430 million requiring rehabilitation services (source: WHO – Deafness and Hearing Loss).

For countries still developing hearing health strategies, this resolution serves as a guide to formulate policies that make hearing care accessible and affordable.

What can you do?

• Stay informed about early signs of hearing loss.
• Advocate for hearing screening programs in schools and workplaces.
• Support local and international initiatives aimed at hearing care.

Learn more:

• World Health Organization – World Hearing Day
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

By integrating both technological advancements and comprehensive national policies, we can move closer to a world where hearing health is a right, not a privilege.

Stay informed and prioritize your health.

This educational video is for students and patients to make informed decisions about their own and others’ health. Dr Akbar Abbas, one of the best ENT specialists in Karachi, Pakistan. He specializes in otolaryngology, cochlear implants, and ear surgery and is one of the few experts on pituitary and head and neck cancer surgery in Pakistan. Presently serving at Aga Khan University Hospital.