#25 | WHO Warns: Childhood Hearing Loss Must Be Addressed Early

In this episode of the GMJ Podcast — the official podcast of the Georgian Medical Journal, we examine a World Health Organization call to strengthen global efforts to prevent and address childhood hearing loss.Hearing loss in children remains a significant global public health issue. According to WHO estimates, more than 34 million children worldwide live with disabling hearing loss, and many cases remain undetected or untreated. The WHO emphasizes that nearly 60% of ear and hearing problems could be prevented or treated through early interventions delivered at primary healthcare level, including trained health workers, appropriate equipment and access to hearing services. Untreated hearing loss can have profound consequences for children. It may delay speech and language development, impair cognitive and social growth and negatively affect educational achievement and future employment opportunities. To address these challenges, WHO highlights the importance of early detection, prevention and accessible care, particularly through community and school health programmes.Key areas discussed in this episode include:• The global burden of childhood hearing loss• Preventable causes of hearing impairment in children• The importance of early hearing screening and diagnosis• Integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare• Community and school-based programmes to improve early identificationThe WHO also promotes new tools and resources to support countries in expanding hearing screening programmes and strengthening health systems so that children with hearing problems can receive timely treatment and rehabilitation.The organization emphasizes that no child should be left behind due to unaddressed hearing problems, and that early intervention can dramatically improve developmental and educational outcomes.Original WHO source discussed in this episode:https://www.who.int/news/item/03-03-2026-who-highlights-the-importance-of-addressing-childhood-hearing-lossThe GMJ Podcast accompanies peer-reviewed publications and global health policy discussions published in the Georgian Medical Journal.Journal website:https://gmj.ge/index.php/pub/index#გიორგიფხაკაძე #drpkhakadze #sheniekimi