WHO: 1 in 4 People Projected to Have Hearing Problems by 2050

The World Health Organization's (WHO) first World Report on Hearing forecasts that almost 2.5 billion people worldwide — one in four — will have hearing loss by 2050. At least 700 million will need ear and hearing care and other rehabilitation services unless action is taken. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu said the study "offers . . . evidence-based interventions that we encourage all countries to integrate into their health systems as part of their journey towards universal health coverage." The analysis determined that healthcare providers often lack knowledge about hearing loss prevention, early identification, and management of hearing loss and ear diseases. About 78 percent of healthcare systems in low-income countries have fewer than one ear, nose, and throat specialist per million people, while 93 percent have fewer than one audiologist per million. Moreover, just 17 percent have one or more speech therapist per million, and 50 percent have one or more teacher for the deaf per million. The incorporation of ear and hearing care into primary healthcare through strategies like task sharing and training can help close this gap, according to the WHO report. In cases where hearing loss cannot be reversed, rehabilitation can ensure that those affected avoid the adverse effects of hearing loss, with hearing aids, cochlear implants, sign language, and speech reading recommended options.