02/03/2026
Around the world, hearing loss affects an estimated 90 million children and adolescents ages 5–19—yet many remain undiagnosed and without access to care. Common and often preventable or treatable conditions, such as middle ear infections, chronic ear disease, and impacted ear wax, continue to go unaddressed, especially in children.
When hearing concerns are missed or delayed, the impact goes far beyond hearing alone. Untreated hearing loss can affect speech and language development, learning, social connection, and long-term educational and economic outcomes.
This World Hearing Day, we are joining the global call to act early and ensure no child is left behind due to ear or hearing problems. Early identification and intervention can make a lifelong difference.
Stay tuned as we approach March 3 and help us raise awareness for children’s hearing health—from our communities to our classrooms.