Following the commemoration of the World Hearing Day, EFHOH held on 4 March 2026, the event “Hear the Future: Breaking Barriers for an EU Strategy on Hearing Loss” at the European Parliament in Brussels, hosted by MEP Katrin Langensiepen and co-organised with the European Association of Hearing Aid Professionals (AEA).
Bringing together policymakers, civil society organisations, healthcare professionals, disability advocates and experts, the event focused on the urgent need for a coordinated EuropeanUnion Strategy on Hearing Loss. Discussions addressed key issues including early identification, communication accessibility, inclusive education, and pathways to employment for hard of hearing people across Europe.
Speakers from EFHOH, AEA, the World Health Organization, Thomas More University and youth organisations shared evidence and lived experiences highlighting persistent structural barriers, including limited awareness, unequal access to accommodations, and gaps in inclusive systems. The discussion emphasised that these challenges are not inherent to hearing lossbut largely stem from insufficiently accessible environments and fragmented policy frameworks.
Participants called for stronger and more coordinated EU action, including the development of a dedicated EU Strategy on Hearing Loss, improved early detection and support systems, and greater awareness of reasonable accommodations across education and employment settings.
We would like to thank MEP Katrin Langensiepen for hosting the event, as well as all speakers, participants and partners who contributed to this important discussion.
Read the full post-event report here.
