The Global Cost of Hearing is a Surprising Number

The Global Cost of Hearing is a Surprising Number

Matt DearingHearing Health, Hearing Loss

Hearing aids may seem spendy. They’re an investment and you may be wondering if it’s worth it. To answer this question, let’s take a look at the global and personal costs of hearing loss.

What is the Global Cost of Hearing Loss?

There are nearly 8 billion people on the planet. Of these, it’s estimated that over 5% of the population – roughly 430 million people – have hearing loss. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global cost of hearing loss is estimated at nearly $1 trillion. That’s a lot of money! Let’s take a closer look at the numbers to see what’s going on.

A recent study estimated the global costs of hearing loss. These costs include:

  • The cost of hearing treatment
  • The cost of healthcare for additional health concerns exacerbated by hearing loss
  • The cost of educational support for those with hearing loss
  • The cost to the global market, since those with hearing loss are often excluded from the labor force

The study determined that the total global costs of hearing loss were over $981 billion. Here’s how they broke it down:

  • 47% of these costs were related to a loss of quality of life.
  • 32% of these costs were related to additional health concerns and lower overall health outcomes in those with hearing loss.
  • 19% of these costs were related to productivity since those with hearing loss were more likely to have part-time employment or no employment.
  • 6.5% of these costs were related to hearing loss in children under the age of 14. 

Finally, of these costs, 57% of the global costs of hearing loss were in low- or moderate-income countries. 23% of these costs were from the East Asia region alone.

Reducing the Burden of Hearing Loss

The WHO estimates that by the year 2050 more people than ever will have hearing loss. They expect that the number of people with hearing loss will rise from 430 million all the way to 2.5 billion people. Young people are particularly at risk of hearing loss. 

Children, teens, and young adults often spend hours of everyday listening to music or other audio with earbuds. Most listen with the volume far too loud, risking permanent noise-induced hearing loss.

This study did offer a glimmer of hope. By reducing the prevalence of hearing loss by just 5%, the global cost of hearing loss could be reduced by up to $49 billion.

Even small changes can have a massive impact. For example, by wearing hearing protection or talking to family and friends about noise-induced hearing loss you can reduce the burden of hearing loss in your own social circle.

Preventing Hearing Loss

Not all hearing loss is preventable. Some hearing loss is caused by damage to the ears from an accident or injury. Sometimes hearing loss is just a part of the natural aging process. 

However, there is one type of hearing loss that can be prevented. Noise-induced hearing loss, or hearing loss due to noise exposure, can be prevented! By wearing earmuffs at work or wearing earplugs when mowing the lawn you can prevent this hearing loss.

Untreated Hearing Loss

This study found that approximately 83% of hearing loss goes untreated. That means that around the world, only 17% of those who need hearing aids actually wear hearing aids! 

For those with untreated hearing loss, quality of life starts to decrease. It becomes harder to communicate with family and friends. It’s also more difficult to hear at work. Living with untreated hearing loss can lead to feelings of social isolation and loneliness, reduced productivity, and increased risks of other health concerns. Living with untreated hearing loss increases the global and personal costs of hearing loss.

Treating Hearing Loss

Are you ready to do your part in reducing the global burden of hearing loss? By treating hearing loss, and talking to others about hearing loss, you can help the world break down the stigma around hearing loss, develop safer work environments, and reduce the global cost of hearing loss.

Treating hearing loss also reduces your personal costs. Investing in your hearing health helps you stay active, stay social, and live a happier, healthier life. Visit us today to find out your perfect hearing aids.