Breaking Barriers: Empowering Filipinos for Better Ear and Hearing Health

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A Call to Action on World Hearing Day

In an era where communication fuels progress, hearing health remains a critical yet often overlooked component of public health in the Philippines. With the celebration of World Hearing Day on March 3, the Hard of Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP), alongside medical and government institutions, is pushing for comprehensive changes in national policies and healthcare systems to address the needs of individuals with hearing loss.

This year’s theme, “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself to Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All!”, underscores the urgent need for empowerment through awareness, education, and policy reforms. To highlight this cause, a Symposium on Ear & Hearing Health and the Public Health Care System will take place on March 7, 2025, at the University of Santo Tomas’ Miguel de Benavides Library. The event brings together policymakers, medical professionals, and advocates to discuss the critical gaps in hearing healthcare and propose solutions to make it more accessible.

Understanding the Crisis: The State of Hearing Health in the Philippines

Despite the increasing prevalence of hearing loss, the Philippines lacks a unified national health framework that fully integrates ear and hearing care. Many Filipinos, especially those in marginalized communities, struggle to access basic audiological services, leading to undiagnosed and untreated hearing conditions that severely impact their quality of life.

Key Challenges Identified by HOHGP

Lack of Disaggregated Data on Hearing Loss

There is no comprehensive national database detailing the prevalence, degree, and causes of hearing loss in the country. Without this, it becomes challenging to allocate resources effectively.

Gaps in Implementation of RA 11228

Republic Act 11228, which mandates government-subsidized PhilHealth premium contributions for persons with disabilities (PWDs), is not fully enforced. Many individuals with hearing impairments remain unable to access specific health packages designed for them.

Shortage of ENT Facilities and Hearing Professionals

There is a critical lack of trained audiologists, ENTs, and medical professionals specializing in hearing healthcare. Additionally, public health centers are not equipped to provide adequate hearing care services.

Limited Access to Assistive Hearing Devices

Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) remain expensive and inaccessible for many Filipinos. These medical devices should be recognized as essential healthcare needs and subsidized by the government.

Absence of Community-Based Hearing Care Programs

There are no institutionalized training programs to educate barangay health workers (BHWs) and local government units (LGUs) on basic ear and hearing care, preventing early detection and intervention.

Empowering Change: Strategies for a Better Hearing Health System

The upcoming WHD Symposium aims to provide concrete solutions to address these pressing concerns. Some of the key proposals include:

1. Empowering Filipinos through Education & Awareness

Massive Information and Education Campaigns (IEC)

A nationwide education drive on ear care and hearing health will be led by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in collaboration with LGUs.

Activities will include public forums, free hearing tests, and media campaigns.

Incorporation of Hearing Health into Public School Curricula

Schools should integrate basic ear and hearing care education into their health subjects to instill awareness at a young age.

2. Strengthening Healthcare Services for Hearing Loss

Mandatory Hearing Screening in Public Health Centers

Government hospitals and clinics must implement regular hearing assessments as part of routine checkups.

LGUs should be mandated to establish local ENT and audiology units with trained specialists.

Expansion of PhilHealth Coverage for Hearing Care

RA 11228 should be amended to cover all age groups, ensuring that adults with acquired hearing loss are not excluded from financial assistance.

Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and BAHA devices must be included in the PhilHealth benefits package.

3. Training and Capacity Building for Local Communities

Barangay-Based Primary Ear & Hearing Care Training

HOHGP proposes a standardized training program for barangay health workers to enable them to detect and refer hearing-related issues.

This initiative should be adopted by LGUs and integrated into local health programs.

Collaboration with Medical Institutions

Universities offering ENT and audiology programs should partner with LGUs to create short training courses for barangay health workers.

4. Legislative Reforms & Government Support

Stronger Government Enforcement of RA 11228

The House of Representatives and Senate must take action to ensure strict implementation of the law.

The DOH and DILG should issue memorandums reinforcing the mandatory provisions for hearing health services.

Creation of the "Ear Care and Hearing Health Act"

This proposed legislation aims to:

- Establish hearing specialty hospitals and clinics nationwide

- Fund community-based ear and hearing care training programs

- Provide tax exemptions for imported hearing assistive devices

- Declare February 25 – March 3 as National Ear and Hearing Health Week

Moving Forward: A Collective Effort for Change

The WHD Symposium on March 7, 2025, marks a crucial moment for stakeholders to come together and turn advocacy into action. Policymakers, health professionals, and community leaders must prioritize hearing health and work towards creating an inclusive healthcare system that ensures every Filipino has access to quality ear and hearing care.

As a staunch advocate for public health transparency and accountability, Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, has continuously highlighted the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Through media coverage and public discourse, Wazzup Pilipinas aims to shed light on the urgent need for hearing health reforms and push for concrete government action.

Let’s break the silence and create a sounder future for all.

Join the Movement!

Follow HOHGP on Facebook: fb.me/hohgphilippines

For inquiries, email: hohgphilippines@gmail.com

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