Abstract:
Childhood hearing impairment is a significant
cause of disability in developing countries, where
infectious diseases are the leading cause of avoidable
pediatric hearing loss. The World Health Organization
(WHO) theme for World Hearing Day 2016 was
“Childhood hearing loss: act now, here’s how!”, with a
focus on preventable childhood hearing impairment through public health measures. This message
was reprised for World Hearing Day 2017 with “Action for hearing loss: make a sound investment”. The
integration of pediatric audiology services with public health initiatives, combined with sustainable capacity-
development and training of local health professionals, should reduce the burden of pediatric hearing
impairment in developing countries, and make a positive contribution to the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). The WHO defines public health as “the art and science of preventing
disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society”.
