The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over a growing public health crisis in Africa, cautioning that hearing loss is rapidly increasing across the continent. Without immediate intervention, the number of affected individuals, currently estimated at 40 million, could climb to 54 million by 2030. This escalation is particularly concerning for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations who already face limited access to healthcare services.
In a report released on October 7, WHO highlighted the profound economic and social impact of hearing loss in Africa, with the condition costing the region an estimated $27 billion annually. The consequences are especially dire for children, as hearing impairments can hinder language development, leading to poor academic performance and limiting future job prospects. Adults, on the other hand, may suffer from increased feelings of isolation, loneliness, and even higher risks of depression and dementia.
The rise in hearing loss is attributed to several factors, including a severe shortage of Ear and Hearing Care (EHC) specialists. Over half of African countries have only one ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor for every one million people, a stark contrast to Europe, which boasts about 50 specialists per million. Furthermore, more than 75% of African nations have only one audiologist and speech therapist for every million individuals.
Despite the urgent need for hearing care, only 10% of the 33 million Africans who could benefit from hearing aids have access, largely due to high costs and inadequate funding for EHC services. While 36 African countries offer EHC services at the tertiary level, few extend similar care to primary healthcare settings. This is particularly concerning since many causes of hearing loss, such as infections and birth complications, are preventable with basic public health interventions.
The report emphasized the need for regular hearing screenings, especially for newborns in low- and middle-income countries, where up to 75% of childhood hearing loss could be prevented with timely care. However, most African nations do not currently implement routine hearing checks for infants, further exacerbating the crisis.
Urgent efforts are needed to bridge the healthcare gap and prevent hearing loss from becoming an even greater public health burden in Africa.
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