Hearing aid. Credit: Pexels, Brett Sayles
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted an alarming rise in hearing loss, warning that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will experience some degree of hearing impairment.
Of these, over 700 million are expected to require rehabilitation. The increasing prevalence, linked to factors such as loud noise exposure and ageing, has serious health, social, and economic implications worldwide.
The growing impact of hearing loss worldwide
Currently, more than 430 million people globally need rehabilitation for disabling hearing loss, with nearly 80 per cent of them living in low- and middle-income countries. Among those over 60 years old, over 25 per cent suffer from disabling hearing loss, affecting their ability to communicate and participate in daily life.
The WHO also warns that over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits, including prolonged exposure to loud music, such as clubbing, and the misuse of personal audio devices, such as ear pods.
Causes of hearing loss and risk factors
Hearing loss can occur at any stage of life due to various factors, including:
- Prenatal causes: Genetic conditions, infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella).
- Birth-related complications: Lack of oxygen at birth, jaundice, or low birth weight.
- Childhood diseases: Chronic ear infections, meningitis, and fluid buildup in the ear.
- Adulthood risks: Chronic diseases, age-related degeneration, exposure to loud noise, smoking, and ototoxic medications.
Unaddressed hearing loss is also linked to cognitive decline, social isolation, and mental health issues. The WHO estimates that the global economic cost of unaddressed hearing loss reaches nearly $1 trillion (€954 billion) annually.
How to prevent hearing loss
Despite its prevalence, hearing loss can often be prevented through public health measures such as immunisation against infections like meningitis and rubella. Occupational and leisure safety to reduce noise and chemical exposure is also important.
Once identified, hearing loss can be managed effectively with hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive devices, speech therapy, and sign language training.
The WHO emphasises the need for governments to invest in ear and hearing care services, estimating that an annual investment of just $1.40 per person could yield a 16-fold return over a decade.
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Read the full press release by WHO on hearing loss.
