Hearing Loss in Children

Tackling Paediatric Hearing Loss: A Global and European Challenge

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 0.5 to 5 in every 1,000 children are born with sensorineural deafness or develop hearing loss during childhood, affecting 32 million children worldwide. Without proper intervention, these children face significant challenges in their development, including:

    • Delayed Speech and Language Development
    • Reduced Awareness of Their Environment
    • Lower Educational Achievement
    • Limited Career Opportunities and Income Potential

Access to pediatric hearing care varies across EU Member States, with disparities in newborn screening, advanced treatments, and rehabilitation services. Recognizing hearing loss as a significant disability, the WHO’s World Report on Hearing provides actionable guidance to ensure equitable, lifelong care.

 

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The Benefits of Hearing Loss Treatment for Children

Many children who use cochlear implant technology for sensorineural hearing loss attend mainstream schools. In fact, a number of studies have shown that children with access to treatment go on to have normal language development and improved understanding of speech. These benefits are enhanced if treatment is given at a young age and the latest technology is provided.

The cost of specialist education support for children with untreated hearing loss is a key consideration for Governments. For a child with additional needs the kindergarten support is ~€7,500 per year; this is 10 times greater than the cost of mainstream school (Baumgartner, 2011).

Read more about the economic impact of hearing loss

How can Policy Makers help?

  • Raise awareness of the importance of hearing health, the impact of hearing loss and the benefits of hearing loss treatment among the public and healthcare professionals.
  • Promote the need for robust national hearing health strategies including diagnosis, rehabilitation, service and maintenance.
  • Introduce a national Newborn Hearing Screening Programme.
  • Acknowledge access to professional hearing care as a right.
  • Promote access to effective treatments including hearing aids, bone conduction devices, and cochlear implants.
  • Explore and invest in effective methods of prevention and rehabilitation for hearing loss.
  • Share best practices among EU Member States.