Author: World Health OrganizationPublisher: World Health Organization
ISBN: 9240087923
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 88
Book Description
It is estimated that while more than 400 million people worldwide could benefit from hearing aid use alone, only 17% get to use these devices. This gap of 83% poses a substantial global challenge as unaddressed hearing loss is a leading cause of morbidity with an annual global cost of 980 billion international dollars. The WHO Hearing aid service delivery approaches for low- and middle-income settings is intended for use by people who plan to implement a national or subnational community level programme for the delivery of hearing aid services. It provides guidance on important factors to be considered when developing a community-level programme for the delivery of hearing aid services in low- and middle-income settings through trained non-specialists. This document targets 2 population groups: - children aged older than 5 years; and, - adults aged 18 years and older. The approaches provide directions on who should be fitted with a hearing aid; the process of assessment; the tools to be used; and the protocol for follow-up. Target audience - ear and hearing care coordinators or focal points within ministries of health. - public health planners. - nongovernmental organizations or civil society entities that provide ear and hearing care.