Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
04:32
Sound Source Localization Testing in Single-sided Deafness Following Bone Conduction Intervention
Published on: December 20, 2024
760
Global and regional needs, unmet needs and access to hearing aids
Aislyn Orji1, Kaloyan Kamenov2, Mae Dirac1
1Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
International Journal of Audiology
|February 4, 2020
Summary
Globally, 401.4 million people need hearing aids, but 83% lack access, significantly increasing the burden of hearing loss. Improving access to hearing aids could avert substantial morbidity and reduce disease burden by over 50%.
Area of Science:
- Audiology and Public Health
- Global Health Epidemiology
Background:
- Hearing loss affects millions globally, with significant unmet needs for hearing aids.
- The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study provides a framework for estimating the impact of hearing impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the global and regional prevalence of hearing aid need, unmet need, and access.
- To quantify the morbidity (measured in Years Lived with Disability - YLDs) that could be averted by hearing aid use.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data to define individuals 'in need' of hearing aids (moderate to severe hearing impairment).
- Calculated current hearing aid coverage and estimated potential morbidity reduction with increased access.
Main Results:
- An estimated 401.4 million people worldwide require hearing aids, with 83% experiencing unmet needs.
- Current hearing aid coverage reduces hearing loss-related morbidity by 14.6% (25 million to 21.3 million YLDs).
- Universal hearing aid adoption among those in need could reduce the disease burden by 59% (from 25 million to 10.3 million YLDs).
Conclusions:
- Significant global disparities exist in hearing aid access, particularly in the African region.
- Innovative, low-cost technologies, improved service delivery, policy changes, and awareness campaigns are crucial for enhancing access.
- Addressing stigma and lack of awareness is vital to improve hearing aid adoption and reduce the burden of hearing loss.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Hearing
56.2K
When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
56.2K
01:28International Nursing Organizations II
1.3K
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations based in Geneva. The WHO has many initiatives that center around health. Primarily, they lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage using science-based policies and programs. They are also responsible for shaping health research agendas and developing norms and standards.
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
1.3K
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
4.5K
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
4.5K
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
3.9K
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
3.9K