For World Hearing Day 2026, observed annually on March 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting the critical importance of early hearing care for children. The campaign, themed “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children,” focuses on identifying and addressing ear and hearing problems in pediatric populations to prevent long-term developmental, educational, and social challenges.
Globally, around 90 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 live with hearing loss. Alarmingly, over 60% of childhood hearing loss is preventable through public health interventions. Unaddressed hearing problems can affect speech, language, and cognitive development, often leading to poorer educational outcomes and reduced opportunities later in life. Early detection and intervention are therefore essential.
The 2026 campaign emphasizes the integration of systematic hearing screening and early intervention into existing child and school health programs. Common, treatable causes of childhood hearing loss—such as otitis media with effusion (OME), chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), and impacted earwax—can be effectively managed if identified promptly. Multi-sectoral collaboration is a central message: WHO urges hearing care professionals to work alongside school health, primary care, and education sectors to implement effective programs that reach all children.
To support professionals, WHO has released several practical resources:
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Vision and hearing screening handbook: guidance for establishing school-based screening programs.
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Basic ear and hearing care materials: training for non-specialist health workers.
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mSafeListening handbook: evidence-based tools promoting safe listening behaviors.
Additional tools are on the way, including WHOears, a tone-based hearing screening app, and Smart Hearing for Children, educational videos for ages 5–8.
The WHO encourages organizations to register local World Hearing Day events to increase awareness and visibility for pediatric hearing care initiatives. Through early identification, prevention, and coordinated care, the campaign aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to hear, learn, and thrive—both in the classroom and beyond.