Spanish deaf federation advocates for lifelong hearing aid funding
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In Madrid, Spain, the Federación de Asociaciones de Personas Sordas (Fiapas) launched its “Que Lo Escuche Todo el Mundo 2026” campaign to end age-based discrimination in access to hearing aids.
The organization argues that hearing loss does not disappear with age and that current Spanish National Health System benefits unfairly limit aid to people under 26. This restriction also excludes individuals with unilateral hearing loss, leaving them without public support for essential communication tools.
Fiapas contends this creates a “double loss” for affected individuals, as the loss of hearing is compounded by the denial of a resource needed for autonomy and social participation. Representatives from the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumption and Agenda 2030 and the Ministry of Health acknowledged the issue and committed to exploring feasible solutions.
Luis Cayo Pérez Bueno, president of the CERMI, emphasized that denying hearing aids based on age or type of hearing loss violates the rights of people with disabilities. José Luis Martínez Donoso, director general of Fundación ONCE, added that lack of support can lead to employment inequality and social isolation. Fiapas continues to advocate for needs-based criteria for access to hearing aid funding, regardless of age or the nature of a person’s hearing loss.
