On 2 October 2025, EFHOH held the event Rights in Focus: Addressing Inclusion of Hard of Hearing Europeans at the European Parliament, hosted by MEP Langensiepen and co-organised with the European Association of Hearing Aid Professionals (AEA).
This high-level event brought together policymakers, civil society organisations, audiologists, disability advocates and experts to discuss the barriers faced by hard of hearing Europeans and to explore solutions in employment, access to reasonable accommodation and the recognition of hearing loss as a disability.
Speakers from EFHOH, AEA, the European Commission, the European Disability Forum, the University of Antwerp, and the European Deafblind Network shared data and perspectives on the persistent challenges, ranging from stigma and lack of awareness to unequal access to hearing care and assistive technology.
The discussion called for inclusive workplaces, lifelong access to hearing care, recognition of deafblindness as a distinct disability, and available, accessible and affordable assistive technologies. The conclusion was clear: the EU must move from commitment to action.
We would like to thank MEP Langensiepen for hosting us, speakers, participants and everyone who helped us to make this event successful!
