Two-thirds of adults with hearing loss in the EU go untreated, leading to an annual cost of €185 billion due to lost productivity and reduced quality of life. People who do not receive treatment are at higher risk of unemployment, lower income, comorbid health conditions, and social isolation compared to individuals with normal hearing.
https://www.hearinghealth.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Economic-Impact-of-Hearing-Loss-A-Report-by-HHFEU.pdf
Untreated hearing loss contributes to social withdrawal, loneliness, and depression. A study revealed that the odds of experiencing loneliness were 2.2 times higher among older adults with hearing loss compared to hearing peers. It is proven that cost-effective hearing interventions such as hearing aids and cochlear implants show significant benefits connected to mental well-being.
Systematic hearing tests across a population are the best way of breaking down barriers, and identifying and treating those with untreated hearing loss in order to avoid the long-term effects. Universal newborn hearing screening is the minimum standard of care in pediatric hearing health. The area that requires vast improvement is systematic hearing screening programs for the over 55s.
https://www.hearinghealth.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Key-Messages-on-Hearing-Loss-A-report-by-HHFEU.pdf
In Europe, one-third of people over 60 years are living with disabling hearing loss. By 2050, the global number of people with hearing loss will double. The association between ageing and hearing loss is evident. Therefore, national hearing screening programs and treatment options are proven to help avoid or minimize comorbidities, social isolation, and financial costs in Europe.
Hearing loss – the top modifiable dementia risk – accelerates cognitive decline and harms social and mental health. Timely interventions like cochlear implants improve outcomes, while the Hearing Health Forum EU calls for awareness, national strategies, and equitable treatment access to support healthy aging.
https://www.hearinghealth.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Cognition-Hearing-Loss-A-report-by-HHFEU.pdf
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