A cross-party group of 17 MEPs, led by Manuela Ripa (PPE), has called on the European Commission to strengthen prevention, early detection, and access to hearing care across the EU, arguing that untreated hearing loss — affecting over 57 million EU citizens — is a leading modifiable risk factor for dementia and is linked to social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 9 June 2026, the MEPs ask the Commission to clarify how it plans to integrate hearing health into EU prevention and mental well-being strategies under the 'Healthier Together' initiative, and what actions it will take under EU4Health and related programmes to improve access to hearing care and reduce environmental factors contributing to hearing loss.
The question, co-signed by MEPs from the PPE, S&D, ECR, Renew, Verts/ALE, and The Left groups, highlights that despite the availability of effective and affordable solutions, many people requiring hearing care remain untreated. The MEPs stress that strengthening prevention and early detection could support healthy ageing, improve quality of life, and reduce the long-term burden on healthcare systems. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal the EU executive's policy direction on integrating hearing health into broader public health frameworks. The initiative targets stakeholders including EU citizens with hearing loss, national healthcare systems, the hearing aid and audiology industry, and public health authorities.