Over 1.5 billion people globally are affected by hearing loss, a number that could reach nearly 2.5 billion by 2050. Despite its frequency and the fact that effective interventions are available and cost-effective, hearing care remains mostly inaccessible and hearing loss unaddressed.

Globally, less than 20% of those that could benefit from hearing care, are able to do so. At the same time, 50% of people aged 12-35 years old i.e., over one billion people face the risk of avoidable hearing loss.

A significant barrier to hearing care is posed by widespread societal misperceptions and stigmatizing mindsets about hearing loss and ear diseases that commonly limit people from identifying ear and hearing problems or seeking the care they need. They contribute to social isolation and communication difficulties faced by persons with these problems and hinder the development of suitable policies and services for those in need.

Through this photo exhibition and related stories, the World Health Organization and the World Hearing Forum draws attention to the positive impact of timely identification and management of ear and hearing problems in order to correct existing misperceptions and change damaging mindsets.