Hearing loss is a significant public health concern in Uganda, particularly in rural areas. This study assessed the accessibility and affordability of hearing healthcare services in Iganga District. The study determined the accessibility and affordability of hearing healthcare services, identify barriers to access, and propose recommendations for improvement. The study was conducted at Iganga General Hospital, which is a regional Hospital in the District.

A mixed methods approach was employed. It involved descriptive analytics and qualitative approaches. A total of 49 clients with hearing loss issues were involved in this study and these were recruited from Iganga General Hospital. Data was entered in SPSS software and analyzed.

The study revealed that 83.7% of respondents reported unavailability of hearing healthcare services, which limit accessibility to hearing healthcare services at the Hospital. Results showed that the hospital has no Audiologist to handle hearing issues. The study also showed that hearing healthcare services are not affordable with 79.6% missed appointments due to cost concerns. High costs of treatment (34.7%), transportation (34.7%), and lack of insurance coverage (30.6%) were significant barriers. Only 10.2% found services affordable.

Hearing healthcare services in Iganga District face significant accessibility and affordability challenges. Addressing these disparities requires multifaceted interventions. Therefore, increasing mobile hearing care units, building more healthcare facilities, enhancing community awareness, providing more healthcare professionals, reducing costs, and fostering partnerships with NGOs/Charitable organizations can improve hearing healthcare delivery.