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Our Mission

At Hearing Health Forum EU, our mission is to advance hearing health as a political and public health priority across Europe. We are dedicated to raising awareness of the human and economic impact of untreated hearing loss, promoting prevention and early detection, advocating for effective policies for universal access, and supporting groundbreaking research into hearing loss across Europe.

Our Objectives: 

  • Raising awareness of the human, social, and economic impact of hearing loss, and ensuring hearing health is recognised in EU and national health agendas.
  • Promoting early detection and prevention across the life course—from newborn hearing screening to age-related hearing care.
  • Ensuring equal access to effective hearing solutions, including hearing aids and cochlear implants, supported by integrated and sustainable care systems.
  • Ending stigma by normalising hearing loss and fostering inclusion through education, public awareness, and advocacy.
  • Driving research and innovation to inform evidence-based policies and improve outcomes for people with hearing loss.

What we do

At HHFEU, we believe, that everyone deserves hearing health. Therefore, we aim to create a healthier, more inclusive society where hearing is a priority.
We stand up for a society that can HEAR life.
Hearing Loss<br>Awareness
H

Hearing Loss
Awareness

Raise awareness of hearing loss and educate communities to reduce stigma and promote inclusion.
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Early<br>Prevention
E

Early
Prevention

Promote early detection and preventive measures to minimize long-term effects of hearing loss.
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Access<br>and Care
A

Access
and Care

Ensure accessible and affordable hearing healthcare for everyone, regardless of age or location.
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Research<br>and data
R

Research
and data

Drive evidence-based policies through robust research and data collection.
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We do that by

Awareness Raising

To highlight the urgency of hearing health and educate the public on its impact beyond hearing.

Advocacy

We advocate for hearing health to be embedded in EU and national policies through equitable access, legal protections, and dedicated strategies.

Research

We promote data-driven policymaking by supporting research, surveillance, and innovation in hearing health across the life course.

Join our mission by endorsing our Policy Manifesto on hearing health

Endorse the Manifesto

Who We Are

MEP Alex Agius Saliba - Chairman

MEP Alex Agius Saliba
Hearing Health EU Chairman

A Message from Our Chairman

196 million people in Europe live with hearing loss, affecting not only their ability to communicate but also their overall quality of life. Yet, the side effects and long-term consequences of hearing loss are too often overlooked in public health priorities.

Untreated hearing loss increases the risk of dementia and other serious comorbidities, and it comes at a steep cost: €224.5 billion annually to the EU economy.

The Time to Act Is Now

Hearing loss is not just a personal health issue: It’s a societal challenge. With 1 in 4 people experiencing hearing loss by the age of 70, Europe must prepare for the realities of an ageing population. Without action, the burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems will only grow.

To address this, we must promote hearing health at every stage of life—from prevention and screening to timely treatment. But we must also go further, taking collective steps that include:

  • Shaping strategies to raise awareness
  • Promoting strong advocacy at all levels
  • Fostering leadership and cross-sector collaboration
  • Enabling and investing in cutting-edge research

Through these actions, we work to ensure that hearing health becomes a priority across Europe—for the benefit of individuals, communities, and future generations!

Board members

MEP Alex Agius Saliba

MEP Alex Agius Saliba

Chairman

European Parliament

Tobias Fischer

Tobias Fischer

Member

Euro-CIU President

Dr. Patrick D'Haese

Dr. Patrick D'Haese

Member

Director of Public Affairs MED-EL

Dr. Paul Van de Heyning

Dr. Paul Van de Heyning

Member

Antwerp University Hospital UZA

Our Partners

An Austria-based global leader in hearing technology, specializing in cochlear implants, middle ear devices, and bone conduction systems.
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An independent network of world-leading centers and experts dedicated to all aspects of hearing restoration using implantable devices.
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An independent, non-governmental, and non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cochlear implant user groups throughout Europe.
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Join our Efforts: Endorse the Policy Manifesto

Let’s make hearing health a political priority!
We call on the European Commission to take action. By signing the Manifesto, you are supporting our efforts in advocating for a European Hearing Health Strategy!