There are 196 million people who have hearing loss in Europe. We all know that hearing influences quality of life, but how often are the side effects and consequences of hearing loss given priority?

Hearing loss affects more than our ability to perceive sound, it can also be accompanied by deadly and costly comorbidities.
In addition to increasing the risk of falls, studies have shown hearing los
Untreated hearing loss is estimated to cost the EU economy €213 billion each year.

World Health Organization, Priority Diseases and Reasons for Inclusion. Available at: www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_21Hearing.pdf

Act Now

When we talk about hearing loss, we must go beyond the individual and consider its wider implications for society and healthcare systems.
With 25% of people having hearing loss by the age of 70, Europe should prepare for the realities of an ageing population.
This cost will rise as the population ages unless we act now.

To support a holistic approach to health, we must promote hearing health from prevention to screening and treatment. Beyond steps for citizens, we also need to:

• Shape strategies that raise awareness;
• Promote advocacy;
• Foster leadership and collaborations, and
• Enable research.

Through these steps, we work towards building an inclusive society for all.

Thank you.