HOHGP calls for ear and hearing health equity from birth to old age

Wazzup Pilipinas!? MANILA, Philippines — As the Philippines observes Linggo ng Katandaang Pilipino (Elderly Filipino Week) alongside National Newborn Screening Week, the HARD OF HEARING GROUP PHILIPPINES (HOHGP), INC. is calling for greater health equity and stronger government action on ear and hearing care across the human life course. While the country places strong emphasis on early screening and intervention for newborns and children, access to ear and hearing care remains inadequate for many adults and older Filipinos. Data from the National Survey of Hearing Loss in the Philippines found that 49.1% of adults over 65 had moderate-or-worse hearing loss, compared with 14.7% among adults aged 18–65. More recent Philippine research among older adults diagnosed with presbycusis found that 62.75% of those advised to use hearing aids were unable to acquire and use them, with cost and lack of adequate funds among the principal reasons reported. 'Health is a human right, and access to ear and hearing care should not effectively end when a person reaches adulthood, much less in old age,' HOHGP said. PhilHealth currently provides a Z Benefit Package for Children with Hearing Impairment, covering assessment, hearing-aid provision and related services for eligible children up to 17 years and 364 days. However, access remains constrained by the limited network of facilities accredited to deliver the package. For adults and older Filipinos, there is currently no comparable standalone PhilHealth benefit package covering comprehensive ear and hearing care. HOHGP and its partner organizations are calling for immediate action in five areas: Expand PhilHealth Coverage for adults and older persons, including hearing assessment, diagnosis, hearing aids and other appropriate hearing technologies, rehabilitation, and follow-up care. Establish LGU Hearing Screening Programs through local health programs, senior citizen services, medical missions, and community-based health activities. Accredit and Expand the Hearing-Care Provider Network by creating pathways for qualified hearing-aid centers and providers, ENT specialists, and audiology professionals to participate in relevant PhilHealth programs. Mainstream Ear and Hearing Care in the Health System by integrating screening, diagnosis, referral, treatment, rehabilitation, and access to hearing technologies into appropriate primary and community health services under Universal Health Care. Ensure Disability-Inclusive Hearing Care for older Filipinos who experience disability-related barriers, including access to assistive technologies, rehabilitation, communication support, and applicable disability-related services and benefits. Hearing loss can affect communication, social participation, independence, and quality of life. For older Filipinos, timely access to appropriate hearing care is an important part of healthy ageing and maintaining meaningful participation in family and community life. 'We cannot fully celebrate a life of dignity and purpose for our older generations while leaving many of them without meaningful access to hearing care.' As the nation observes Elderly Filipino Week, HOHGP calls on the DOH, PhilHealth, NCSC, DILG, and local chief executives to move beyond fragmented interventions toward an integrated, lifelong approach to ear and hearing care. About "WazzupPilipinas.com" WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.