RP404 - The Global Hearing Health-Care Workforce

Abstract:
Hearing loss has a significant global burden, yet many countries lack sufficient audiology workforce capacity, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study quantified the global audiology workforce density, distribution, scope of practice, and training availability across income levels and regions, to guide strategies strengthening equitable access. With 93 countries, representing 85% of the global population, overall audiologist density was 1.48 per 100,000. Over 70% of countries had < 1 audiologist per 100,00. Addressing barriers like inadequate training, lack of professional recognition, rural staffing gaps, and gender disparities through evidence-based policies is crucial towards universal hearing healthcare access globally.

Summary:
Rationale
Hearing loss is a significant global burden, yet many countries lack sufficient workforce capacity to address this public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Building an accurate baseline of the available audiology workforce across countries is crucial for informing strategies to strengthen hearing healthcare services equitably.

Objectives
This study aimed to quantify the global density and distribution of the audiology workforce, characterise their scope of practice, and assess availability of audiology training programs worldwide, across income levels and regions.

Design
A cross-sectional workforce electronic survey was conducted by the Global OHNS Initiative, collecting data from stakeholders in 93 countries representing 84.8% of the global population. National estimates were obtained from professional societies, ministries of health, and clinicians. Countries were categorised by World Bank income groups and WHO regions for comparative analysis.

Results
The global audiologist workforce density was 1.48 per 100,000 population, ranging from 4.07 in high-income to 0.01 in low-income countries. Over 70% of countries had < 1 audiologist per 100,000. Up to 43% of audiologists, especially from low-income countries, received training outside their home country. The scope of practice varied across income groups and spanned diagnostics, rehabilitation, tele-audiology and preventative services. Gender imbalances were observed, with males over-represented as ENT clinical officers (60%). An urban-rural divide concentrated 70% of the total ear and hearing care workforce in cities.

Conclusions
Profound global disparities exist in audiology workforce availability and distribution, disproportionately impacting low-resource settings. Barriers like inadequate training capacity, lack of recognized professional roles, rural staffing gaps, and gender imbalances must be addressed through evidence-based workforce planning and policies.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
This presentation will equip attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the global audiology workforce landscape, empowering them to be better informed, more culturally aware, and motivated to contribute to addressing these critical issues through research, advocacy, or service initiatives.