A symposium on ear and hearing health at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on 07 March 2025. It brought to light critical issues plaguing the country’s healthcare system. Issues particularly concerning the hard of hearing (HOH) and deaf communities. The event was attended by representatives from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth. Medical experts and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) were also present. They addressed several key concerns.
One major issue is the lack of comprehensive national statistics on the number of Filipinos who are deaf or HOH. While DOH reported 126,000 registered individuals, Vincent Balingan of the HOH group emphasized the absence of a national count. He also stressed the crucial distinction between deafness and HOH. Deafness typically refers to complete hearing loss, while HOH individuals experience partial hearing loss. These conditions require different approaches to care.
The symposium also highlighted the widespread problem of fraudulent PWD ID cards. Many individuals falsely claim hearing impairments to access benefits. The DOH and PhilHealth are working on a solution. They are introducing a standardized ID design. They are also creating a centralized database of registered PWDs.
Participants discussed the need for a national health framework integrating ear and hearing care. This requires revising the disability classification to better reflect the spectrum of hearing loss. It also involves collecting more detailed data on prevalence and causes. Additionally, there is a need for improving access to anonymized data for planning purposes. A massive information and education campaign was also proposed, focusing on ear care and hearing health. This campaign would leverage events like International Cochlear Implant Day and World Hearing Day.
To improve access to care, the symposium recommended community-based training for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) on primary ear and hearing care. This would involve collaboration between ENT specialists, audiologists, and universities to develop appropriate training materials. The DOH and DILG would then endorse and fund these programs at the local government level.
Further recommendations included revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) in clinics and hospitals. These revisions ensure better communication with patients who have hearing loss. This involves providing sign language interpreters, captioning, and other communication aids. The group also called for amendments to Republic Act 11228 to expand health benefits for ear and hearing care to adults. This includes bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants. Furthermore, they aim to clarify accreditation standards for ENT/audiology centers. Finally, a comprehensive Ear Care and Hearing Health Act was proposed. This act incorporates WHO standards. It also addresses mental health and social protection aspects. The Hard of Hearing Group Philippines (HOHGP) actively participated in shaping these recommendations.
