Mapping the financial and disease burden of hearing loss and associated interventions

The prevalence and burden of ear and hearing disorders is huge and, historically, has been underappreciated. Globally, unaddressed hearing loss poses a growing public health challenge, requiring urgent attention from policymakers, health professionals and civil society. The recently published World Health Organization’s World Report on Hearing (WRH) calls attention to the needs of those living with, or at risk of, hearing loss and outlines the means and benefits of investing in ear and hearing care. Key data from the WRH is summarised below.