Equitable access to cochlear implants
A perspective on social justice and international obligations
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22077340 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Pilar Suazo-Díaz (Universidad Autónoma de Chile), Cristián Aedo (0000-0003-0670-7843, Universidad de Santiago de Chile), Cristian Aedo-Sanchez, Gonzalo Cuéllar-Muñoz (Universidad de Santiago de Chile), Enzo Aguilar-Vidal (0000-0002-1768-6171, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1672820-1672820 |
| Publication date | 2025-11-28 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1672820 |
| PMID | 41393038 |
| OpenAlex | W4416775559 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 69 |
Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent sensory conditions worldwide, affecting over 1.5 billion people and is one of the main causes of disability. For individuals with severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants (CIs) are one of the most effective rehabilitation options as they can significantly improve speech comprehension, language development, quality of life and social inclusion. Despite their clinical value, however, access to CIs remains highly unequal between and within countries, with implantation rates disproportionately favoring wealthier nations and people with a higher socioeconomic status. Grounded in a human rights approach, this article develops a conceptual and policy-based reflection supported by a targeted review of scientific literature and international legal standards. From this standpoint, access to CIs must be recognized as an enforceable fundamental right. This recognition implies clear international obligations for states to translate their human rights commitments into tangible, inclusive national policies. Furthermore, this perspective emphasizes the ethical responsibility to ensure the real accessibility, affordability and adaptability of cochlear implants, overcoming barriers related to socioeconomic disparities, geography, race and systemic inequalities. This perspective article highlights the urgent need for comprehensive public policies based on international human rights law to ensure equitable access to cochlear implants, advocating a rights-based approach as a necessary strategy to achieve social justice, dignity and full social participation for people with hearing disabilities
Dignity · Economic Justice · Human rights · International law · Social inequality · Social responsibility · Socioeconomic status · Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility · Hearing Impairment and Communication · Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation
Hearing Loss, Loneliness, and Social Isolation
The legal determinants of health
Dementia prevention, intervention, and care
Hearing loss prevalence and years lived with disability, 1990–2019
Disability in a Human Rights Context
From Screening to Early Identification and Intervention
Beyond the liberal subject
Health equity for persons with disabilities
The Right to Health in International Human Rights Law
The Right to Health Under International Law and Its Relevance to the United States
The Concept of Access
If Only for a Day
| Highly cited | No |
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