New Ear Health Training Manual for Developing Countries

WHO has released a new set of training manuals aimed at equipping health care workers in developing countries with simple and cost-effective methods to reduce deafness and hearing problems through actions at the primary level of health care. The Training Resource on Primary Ear and Hearing Care is accessible via the internet at the newly launched website:
WHO Hearing Care Website, where also factsheets, photostories, and a photo-gallery are posted. Christian Blind Mission (CBM) provided technical inputs and fully funded the development and production of the resource.

The Primary Ear and Hearing Care Training Resource addresses the urgent need for trained personnel in developing countries. Some of the most effective interventions against ear and hearing problems can be implemented at the primary level by trained primary ear and hearing care (PEHC) workers or primary health care (PHC) workers or their equivalents. However most developing countries do not have PEHC workers. With the help of the manuals, these interventions will have a major impact on the burden of ear disease and hearing loss.

The Training Resource provides practical information and guidance and can be used as part of a training course, standalone training module or in a self-taught manner. The manuals can also be used to help communities understand common causes of deafness and hearing impairment and ways to prevent and/or treat the conditions.

The urgent need for action to prevent and manage ear diseases and hearing impairment becomes obvious from data on the worldwide burden of hearing impairment: 278 million people worldwide are living with disabling hearing impairment – although half of all deafness and hearing impairment is avoidable. Ear diseases and hearing impairment may be life-long and can sometimes even be life-threatening. They affect a person’s interpersonal communication, education, employment, and social relationships and cause stigmatization. They also produce substantial economic burdens on countries.

For further information please contact Dr JoAnne Epping-Jordan, Senior Programme Adviser, Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, WHO, Tel.: +41 22 791 4646, Email to Dr JoAnne Epping-Jordan

Ms Young-Ae Chu, Communications Officer, Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, WHO, Tel.: +41 22 791 4367, Email to Young-Ae Chu.

For specific technical information about the training resource please contact Dr Andrew Smith, Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, WHO. Tel.: +41 22 791 4322, Email to Dr Andrew Smith