WHO activities for prevention of deafness and hearing impairment in children.

This paper gives an overview of WHO activities in the global campaign for the prevention of deafness and hearing impairment, focusing particularly on children. It discusses the size of the problem and the causes and consequences of deafness and hearing impairment. It emphasizes the inadequate state of our knowledge of this subject in developing countries and the importance of collecting valid data. It describes the public health route to prevention of deafness and hearing impairment, especially through primary ear and hearing care, and outlines the World Health Organization's aims and activities for prevention of deafness and hearing impairment.