The World report on hearing estimates that over 1.5 billion people globally are affected by hearing loss, nearly 80% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. Of which, an estimated 400 million people currently live with ear and hearing problems in WHO South-East Asia Region. If unaddressed, by 2050 there could be over 660 million people with ear and hearing problems in the SE Asia Region alone. Over 80% of ear and hearing care needs remain unmet across the world. Hearing care remains a neglected public heath agenda. To boost advocacy, in 2024, world hearing day was observed on 3rd March with the theme, ‘Changing Mindsets: Let’s make ear and hearing care a reality for all!’.
Universal new born hearing screening is crucial for early identification of hearing loss in infants, timely intervention, and reducing long-term developmental impacts of congenital and early onset hearing loss. While globally recognized for its effectiveness, new born hearing screening implementation in India and the Southeast Asian region remains limited due to multiple reasons, posing significant challenges to identifying congenital hearing loss promptly. Therefore, the lack of comprehensive new born hearing screening programs in the countries of Southeast Asia warrants an understanding of the strengths, experiences, and challenges of their existing NHS programs. This webinar focusing on the new born hearing screening in the region could be the initial step towards strengthening the hearing and ear care services.
This webinar was be facilitated by resources persons from WHO, All India Institute of Speech & Hearing (AIISH) India, Department of ENT Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital Indonesia WHO-CC on prevention Deafness and Hearing Impairment on 21 March, 2024, 2.00-3:30 PM IST.
Recording link : https://who.zoom.us/rec/share/tirwUuKDAIV81akPc3dkaC_9iYETEoo4lQVdj2nCeDORxN6F25_7lKoRnuJ7Pkz8.dJLTQXsxJEW2jcGv
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