N o n - c ommu n i c a b l e d i s e a s e s a n d d i s a b i l i t i e s consequences of hearing loss. Therefore, training programmes are required in primary ear and hearing care, ENT (ear, nose and throat) and audiology to increase numbers of health workers involved in ear and hearing care. Health workers and policy planners need to begin the consideration of public health methods to prevent and manage hearing loss by setting local priorities and action plans specific to their health systems. Preventive activities include immunisation for measles and mumps, improved governance and monitoring for ototoxic drug usage, early detection and management for middleear infections, and promotion of healthy ear care practices in noisy environments. Increasing awareness and skills among health workers can be accelerated through the development of e-learning tools in primary ear and hearing care (based on WHO training manuals) to train health workers in remote settings. Officially recognising national sign languages and increasing the availability of sign language interpreters are important actions to improve access to sign language services. Human rights legislation and other protections can also help ensure better inclusion approaches for people with hearing loss. The general public and decision-makers at all levels of society need to be made aware of the magnitude and consequences of hearing loss, and that there are now effective means of prevention and alleviation. References Mackenzie, I. and Smith, A., 2009. ‘Deafness – The neglected and hidden disability’. Annals of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, 103 (7), pp. 565–571. Reynolds, R. N. V., 2014. ‘Finding employment when you have a hearing impairment’. Community Ear Hearing Health, 11 (14), pp. 6–8. Sally, H., 2014. ‘Living with hearing impairment’. Community Ear Hearing Health, 11 (14), p. 1. Saunders, G. H. and Griest, S. E., 2009. ‘Hearing loss in veterans and the need for hearing loss prevention programs’. Noise Health, 11, pp. 14–21. WHO (World Health Organization), 2012. WHO Global Estimates on Prevalence of Hearing Loss. Geneva: WHO, pp. 1–15. WHO (World Health Organization), 2013. Multi-country Assessment of National Capacity to Provide Hearing Care webpage WHO. Available from: www.who.int/pbd/deafness/en Accessed 10 April 2015. Disability and Eye Health Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 90 Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
Commonwealth Health Partnerships 2015
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