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Hearing loss is an issue worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 1.5 billion people struggle with hearing loss, but even more concerning is that these numbers are estimated to rise to 2.5 billion – more than double by 2050! WHO believes this is due to lack of understanding around the severity of hearing loss, how to protect hearing and unsafe conditions, affecting countries and communities with higher levels of poverty disproportionately. WHO points out that this rise in global hearing loss is not inevitable if precautions and better health care infrastructure around hearing care and protection are put into place now. To achieve this WHO has laid out a specific action plan to address global needs.
Why is Hearing Loss on the Rise Globally?
There are several causes which threaten the hearing of billions of people worldwide. One is increasing life expectancy. People are living longer and that means health conditions have longer to advance. The most common cause of hearing loss is related to old age. Presbycusis, also known as age related hearing loss affects one in three people over the age of 65 and half of those 75 years and older in the US alone. The older you get, the more inevitable it is – by the age of 100, there is a 100 percent chance some degree of hearing loss will become present, due to changes in the inner ear as we age.
However, hearing loss can affect people of any age due to a wide range of effects from exposure to environmental toxins, certain medications and impact to the head. However, by far, the highest risk to our hearing, which most likely increases the risk of presbycusis earlier, is noise induced hearing loss. According to the UN health agency, many common causes of hearing loss can be prevented, including over-exposure to high volume sounds.
“Millions of teenagers and young people are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices and exposure to damaging sound levels at venues such as nightclubs, bars, concerts and sporting events,” said Dr Bente Mikkelsen, WHO Director for the Department for Noncommunicable Diseases.
“The risk is intensified as most audio devices, venues and events do not provide safe listening options and contribute to the risk of hearing loss”, she added.
The Cost of World Hearing Loss
Hearing loss affect individuals but on a grander scheme, it is a global crisis. The estimated world impact of hearing loss is around the economic benefits of over $981 billion. 47% of costs were related to quality of life losses, with 32% due to additional costs of poor health in people with hearing loss. In the US alone, the cost of $133 billion each year. Hearing loss is the third most common disability worldwide and has far reaching effects past hearing ability. When someone struggles to hear they struggle to communicate with all people in their life. Relationships become strained, unemployment rates rise, depression spikes and the risk of accidents, falls and cognitive decline, leading to dementia spikes. However, a recent study points out that globally investing in hearing care interventions are very significant. The benefits correspond to a return of nearly US$15 for every US$1 invested.
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A Plan of Action
In an article in JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association, an action plan with 3 specific actions is suggested to address the rising threat of hearing loss. This plan of action lists three important actions which can be implemented to address world hearing loss and subdue its far reaching consequences.
1: Invest in a Coordinated Strategy
Most health systems for hearing care are not coordinated as are other serious health conditions such as cancer, or mental illness. This makes obtaining hearing healthcare feel challenging and difficult to navigate. The study recommends a national strategy with input from consumers, families, clinicians, payers, governments, and civil society groups. Not only do they help to coordinate care but to address public awareness around hearing loss. This could help to reduce stigma which keeps millions from receiving care, encourage regular testing and strengthen existing public health initiatives.
2: Improve Healthcare Systems for People with Hearing Loss
Adapt Healthcare Services to meet the needs of people with hearing loss.
3: Increase Funding
Investing in hearing loss prevention and support will allow world health services to better address the needs of people with hearing loss worldwide.
Fighting global hearing loss starts with you. You can join the fight by scheduling a hearing exam with us today!