Round Table Discussion: Hearing Health Care and latest technologies

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) has commenced a campaign to provide more people with hearing loss in developing countries with access to affordable, appropriate hearing aids and hearing aid fitting services. The WHO has consistently pointed out that only a very small minority of those in need of amplification devices in developing countries are fitted with any type of hearing aid. This presentation gives an overview of emerging hearing health care technology and systems that may, in the future, better serve the needs of individuals with hearing impairment in developing countries. The major implications of such new technology and systems for the organisations that support the majority of the world’s people with hearing handicap – those who live in developing countries - are outlined.