Hearing loss in Jordan: an overlooked public health challenge

Hearing loss and hearing healthcare in Jordan

Abstract

Hearing loss (HL) is a significant public health issue in developing countries like Jordan, yet it remains under-prioritized due to competing healthcare agendas and limited resources. This review synthesises the current knowledge on HL in Jordan and provides an overview of the country's hearing healthcare situation. A narrative review was conducted by searching databases including PubMed and Scopus using the search keywords 'hearing loss,' 'deaf', 'hearing healthcare', 'audiology', and 'Jordan', to identify relevant literature on HL epidemiology, impact, and hearing healthcare services.

Official national statistics on HL across the population are lacking. Estimates of HL from local research for newborns align with international averages but exceed global levels for infants with risk factors. The estimates for adults suggest a lower prevalence compared to global reports. Most studies focus on the negative psychosocial and educational impacts on Jordanians with HL. Enhancements in hearing healthcare services are needed to improve access, affordability, and quality of audiology services across the country. Research and governmental efforts are necessary to establish national-level official statistics, implement effective prevention strategies, and improve audiological services. This requires integrated healthcare policies, community-based interventions, and international cooperation to reduce the burden of HL and foster more inclusive societies in Jordan.