More than 1.5 billion people worldwide live with hearing loss, yet most have never had access to a basic hearing test.
To close that gap, the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched WHOears, a free screening app designed for use in communities and primary health clinics.
Unveiled at a global webinar, WHOears runs on standard tablets and headphones.
Trained health workers can guide anyone aged five and over through a simple, tone-based hearing check in any quiet room, without specialist equipment.
According to WHO, the app aims to standardise screening across regions, making early detection faster and more affordable.
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Early identification is crucial because timely intervention can prevent hearing loss from worsening and reduce its impact on education, work and social life.
WHO said the tool was built for community health workers, ministry officials, audiologists, ENT specialists, researchers, NGOs and development partners working in ear and hearing care.
The organisation added that app is now available to download on Android and iOS.
WHO stressed said the goal is to help countries integrate systematic hearing checks into routine primary care.
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