The Asia Pacific region is on the cusp of a demographic transformation, with the aging population set to expand dramatically by 2050. Amid this unprecedented shift, the challenges surrounding hearing health are more pressing than ever. In an exclusive email interview with BioPharma APAC, we engage with Olivier Chupin, Regional President for the Asia Pacific at WS Audiology, to gain insights into the current state of awareness and preparedness to tackle hearing health in the region.

Olivier Chupin addresses the stigma associated with hearing loss and its impact on those in need of help, sharing strategies to battle this social barrier. As we dive into WS Audiology's three-pillar approach to hearing health in Asia, Chupin details their efforts in "Amplifying Awareness for Better Hearing," "Establishing Accessible Pathways" to hearing care, and "Affordable Hearing for All." By tailoring hearing solutions to local needs and collaborating with both the public and private sectors, WS Audiology aims to ensure that hearing care becomes accessible to everyone in the Asia Pacific region.

Furthermore, Chupin sheds light on the potential impact of addressing hearing health on the overall quality of life and mental well-being of the senior members of society in Asia. It's not merely about hearing; it's about preserving the emotional and cognitive well-being of this vital demographic. Join us for this insightful interview as we explore the future of hearing health in Asia.

With the Asian Development Bank projecting a significant rise in the aging population in the Asia Pacific by 2050 and the associated challenges in hearing health, how would you assess the current awareness and preparedness in Asia to address these issues, particularly concerning the stigma associated with hearing loss and the role of awareness in improving the situation for affected individuals?

The current state of awareness and preparedness in Asia to address the issue of hearing health in the context of an aging population is a multifaceted challenge. Adoption rates of hearing aids are low in Asia, showing a lack of awareness and preparedness. Many people in the region perceive hearing loss as an inevitable consequence of aging, an accepted view that significantly hinders early intervention.

The stigma around hearing loss in Asia primarily revolves around preconceived ideas of what hearing aids look like, often considered old-fashioned and associated with disability. This deeply ingrained perception contributes to the reluctance in seeking help for hearing issues.

To effectively battle this stigma and improve the situation for individuals with hearing loss, a comprehensive strategy is essential. Awareness campaigns are critical and should be designed to not only educate but also challenge these misconceptions. Sharing success stories of individuals who have benefited from hearing solutions can humanize the issue and help break down barriers.

At WS Audiology, we actively collaborate with advocates across the world who have experienced hearing loss firsthand to share their stories and inspire others. Engaging influential figures, policymakers, and healthcare professionals in advocacy for hearing health is crucial to normalize discussions about hearing issues, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.

In parallel, it's imperative to address the low adoption rates of hearing aids by promoting the understanding that there are effective solutions available to improve one's quality of life. By combining education, awareness, and a shift in perceptions, we can begin to bridge the gap in addressing hearing health in Asia's aging population.

In your three-pillar approach to addressing the hearing health challenge in Asia, the first pillar is "Amplifying Awareness for Better Hearing." Could you elaborate on the strategies and initiatives WS Audiology is employing or advocating to increase awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding hearing loss in the region?

WS Audiology is committed to implementing various strategies and initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and reducing the stigma associated with hearing loss in the region.

A pivotal strategy in addressing hearing health challenges involves conducting focused awareness campaigns, aiming to educate the public about the importance of hearing health. These campaigns emphasize that hearing loss is not an unavoidable aspect of aging, highlighting the availability of effective solutions to enhance one's quality of life. Through active engagement with diverse media channels and community outreach programs, we actively challenge prevalent misconceptions and promote early intervention. Furthermore, we leverage the distinctive platform of World Hearing Day, seizing the opportunity to broaden our impact

We also collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and organizations to conduct free hearing screening events in communities. These events provide accessible opportunities for individuals to check their hearing and receive guidance on appropriate steps if hearing issues are detected. By making these services readily available, we not only promote early intervention but also contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding hearing problems.

Engaging with local influencers and advocates is another significant aspect of our approach. We work closely with individuals who have firsthand experience with hearing loss. Their personal stories and journeys serve as powerful tools to humanize the issue, inspiring others to seek help and support. This approach helps break down barriers associated with stigma.

Furthermore, WS Audiology actively advocates for hearing health on various platforms. We engage with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and influential figures to foster an environment where discussing hearing issues is normalized. By collaborating with these stakeholders, we can drive systemic changes that promote better hearing health practices and awareness at both the individual and community levels.

The second pillar of your approach focuses on "Establishing Accessible Pathways" to hearing care. What steps and partnerships do you believe are necessary to make hearing care more accessible to the aging population in Asia, especially in areas with limited healthcare resources?

Ensuring accessibility to hearing care in areas with limited healthcare resources demands a comprehensive approach.

Firstly, we are committed to enhancing the expertise of healthcare professionals, particularly in remote or underserved regions, equipping them with the skills to effectively diagnose and manage hearing loss. In this endeavour, telemedicine and remote audiology services play a pivotal role, extending hearing care to areas where access to specialists is otherwise restricted.

However, our dedication to accessibility goes beyond conventional methods. We've introduced the Signia Mobile Fitting Van in China, a pioneering initiative engineered to serve regions where healthcare infrastructure may pose challenges. This mobile fitting van embarks on roadshows and end-user events, creating valuable opportunities for local distributors and paving the way for a comprehensive hearing care network, even in the most remote corners. Currently, there are ten of these vans operating in regions such as Sichuan, Henan, Guizhou, Shan'xi, Yun'nan, Chongqing (municipal city), Qinghai, and Jiangxi, ensuring that hearing care reaches those who need it most, regardless of geographical constraints.

The third pillar emphasizes "Affordable Hearing for All." Could you share some examples of how WS Audiology is tailoring hearing solutions to local needs and means in the Asia Pacific region? How can the private and public sectors collaborate to ensure affordability of hearing care?

Customizing hearing solutions to align with local needs and economic realities stands as a central aspect of our commitment to affordability in the Asia Pacific region. Recognizing the diverse nature of these markets, we collaborate closely with local professionals to craft hearing aids that not only feature cutting-edge technology but also cater to varying lifestyle demands and affordability levels. Our extensive product range enables us to offer options tailored to different demographics, addressing affordability challenges.

Affordability extends beyond hearing aids themselves; it encompasses accessible hearing tests for the wider public. We've witnessed successful models in Europe, Australia, and the United States, where governments and private insurers have played instrumental roles in ensuring access to high-quality hearing solutions for those in need. This collaboration between the public and private sectors, alongside ongoing research and development investments, drives innovation, resulting in more cost-effective hearing care. Achieving affordability necessitates strong cooperation among multiple stakeholders, reinforcing our commitment to making hearing care accessible to all.

Good hearing is not only crucial for communication but also for mental well-being. Can you highlight the potential impact of addressing hearing health on the overall quality of life and mental health of senior members of society in Asia? 

Addressing hearing health in Asia has a profound impact on the overall quality of life and mental well-being of our senior population. Hearing loss often leads to social isolation and can contribute to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

When we prioritize hearing health, we enable seniors to stay actively engaged in their communities, maintain meaningful relationships with loved ones, and enjoy a better quality of life. Good hearing supports cognitive health and allows individuals to fully participate in social and recreational activities. It's not just about hearing; it's about preserving the mental and emotional well-being of our senior citizens, which is invaluable to society as a whole.

arcilla.fran@biopharmaapac.com