The WHO programme for the prevention of deafness and hearing impairment

The WHO Programme for the Prevention of Deafness and hearing Impairment (PDH) was established in 1987 to deal with causes of avoidable hearing loss, particularly in developing countries. The Programme is developing its strategies on the basis of essential ear care as part of primary health care, and the collection of epidemiologically sound data on ear disease and hearing impairment. A uniform Ear Examination Form is being finalized, for use in field surveys. The PDH Programme suffers from not having adequate resources available, and few countries have so far taken on the prevention of deafness as a health care issue. In the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions, a number of national programmes will hopefully develop in the near future. Particular issues for the next two years include ototoxicity and the management of otitis media. Overall, the priority is to obtain programme staff and a more adequate working budget.