Feasibility of easily accessible hearing screening in German municipal offices: A pilot study

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends systematic hearing screening across the lifespan, particularly for older adults, as part of evidence based strategies to mitigate the global burden of hearing loss. However, no EU member state has implemented a nationwide adult hearing screening program. This pilot study investigated the feasibility of conducting in municipal citizen offices in Germany a simple, tablet based pure-tone audiometry and explored preliminary outcome patterns. Results from Frankfurt show high public acceptance and a substantial proportion of previously undetected hearing impairment among adults aged 50 years and older. These findings align with international evidence underlining the importance of early detection and support the potential role of municipal office in public health–oriented hearing care pathways. This study was the first to implement hearing screenings within a municipal citizen service center.