Do you know how many people in the world have hearing loss? The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released a World Report on Hearing. In this report, they provide stats on how many people have hearing loss around the world, as well as estimates on how many people may have hearing loss in the future.
How Many People Have Hearing Loss
According to the World Health Organization, there are currently about 1.5 billion people worldwide who have a hearing loss. About 217 million of these cases are in the Americas. It’s estimated that more than 50 million Americans have hearing loss, and that number is always growing.
Young people also have higher rates of hearing loss than ever before. Children, teens, and young adults risk their hearing health in their daily life. This is partly caused by unsafe listening practices when listening to music with earbuds, as well as dangerously loud leisure activities like attending concerts and sports events.
The Cost of Untreated Hearing Loss
The World Report on Hearing states that approximately 1 trillion dollars are lost each year due to hearing loss! As the rates of hearing loss rise, this number will go up as well. Hearing loss makes it difficult for children and teens to learn effectively in school. It also affects adults’ abilities do their best at work. People living with untreated hearing loss have difficulty communicating, and are often excluded from educational and employment opportunities.
Living with untreated hearing loss also leads to poor health outcomes. For example, those with hearing loss are more likely to face isolation and loneliness, and have anxiety or depression. Hearing loss is also a risk factor in accidents, and those with hearing loss have higher rates of hospitalizations.
Estimating Rates of Hearing Loss in the Future
The WHO estimates that by the year 2050, up to 2.5 billion people will have some level of hearing loss. They estimate that 700 million of those with hearing loss will require hearing treatment or rehabilitation services. They project that 1 in 4 people will have some hearing loss by the year 2050.
Government Responsibilities
In their recent report, the World Health Organization states that nearly 1 trillion dollars are lost internationally each ear due to untreated hearing loss. They urge governments and health organizations around the world to do their part to curb this trend in hearing loss and financial loss.
For example, the World Report on Hearing states that more than 1 billion young people risk hearing loss due to preventable and treatable ear infections. They call on world leaders to prevent these instances of hearing loss through available treatment methods. Using cost-effective technology, current preventative strategies, and public health awareness, it’s possible to reduce the number of people who may develop hearing loss by 2050.
The WHO would like hearing health care to be easily accessible to everyone. They suggest adding hearing health benefits to national health plans. This could drastically reduce the number of people living with untreated hearing loss. It would also help lower the cost of hearing loss. According to the experts from the World Health Organization, investing in ear and hearing healthcare is a cost-effective way to improve lives and save money, with $16 saved for every $1 invested.
Treating Hearing Loss
Treating hearing loss improves your hearing, but that’s not all. Hearing aids can improve your overall health and wellbeing and lower your risk of other health concerns.
Unlike many people around the world, you have access to hearing health specialists in your neighborhood. My Hearing Centers is your source of expert hearing health advice and support. If you think you may have hearing loss, call us today and book a hearing test. This comprehensive test will show us exactly what sounds you’re missing, and what hearing aids are best suited for your hearing needs.
Hearing aids are sophisticated, modern devices that do all the hard work of hearing, so you can enjoy effortless conversations with family and friends. Hearing aids make it easy to hear in educational or work situations, so you can achieve your goals. Don’t let the high cost of untreated hearing loss affect you, but treat your hearing loss today! Contact us to schedule an appointment.