03/03/2026
From communities to classrooms, hearing care must reach every child. 👂📚 A child who cannot hear clearly cannot fully participate, learn, or reach their potential. When a child frequently asks for repetition, struggles to focus in class, or experiences delayed speech, it is not always a behaviour issue. It may be a sign of hearing loss.
Today, 90 million children aged 5 to 19 are living with hearing loss worldwide, and more than 60% of childhood hearing loss is preventable through simple, cost effective public health measures. This means that millions of children could be protected through early action.
The difference between falling behind and thriving can come down to early identification and timely care. By integrating hearing screening and treatment into school health and child health programmes, we can protect development, strengthen educational outcomes, and expand future opportunities.
Let us listen more carefully, act more quickly, and ensure that every child has the chance to hear, learn, and succeed.
Learn more: www.who.int/campaigns/world-hearing-day/2026