About Hearing Loss
There are two main types of hearing loss.
Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells inside the inner ear, or damage to the hearing nerve, or both. This type of hearing loss is permanent but can often be treated by hearing aids. Age-related damage to the inner ear is the single biggest cause of hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss happens when a blockage, such as ear wax, stops sound passing from the outer ear to the inner ear. This can temporary or permanent.
It’s possible to have both types of hearing loss.
Hearing loss can lead to withdrawal from social situations, emotional distress, and depression.
Research shows that it increases the risk of loneliness, but only for those who don’t wear hearing aids.
What is Age-Related Hearing Loss?
Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is the most common form of hearing impairment among adults. As individuals age, the delicate structures of the inner ear may deteriorate, leading to gradual hearing loss. Statistics show that nearly one in three people over the age of 65 experience some degree of hearing loss.
Impact on Communication and Quality of Life
Hearing loss can have a profound impact on communication abilities and overall quality of life. Individuals with untreated hearing loss may experience difficulties in social interactions, workplace settings, and personal relationships. Studies have shown that hearing loss is associated with increased feelings of isolation, depression, and reduced cognitive function.
1 in 5 adults in the UK – more than 12 million people – live with a hearing loss greater than 25 dBHL
By 2035, the RNID estimates this figure will rise to around 14.2 million.
More than 40% of people over 50 years old have hearing loss, rising to more than 70% of people over the age of 70.
Hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia but evidence also suggests that hearing aids may reduce these risks.
According to the World Health Organisation, 1 in 5 people worldwide live with hearing loss.
By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have some degree of hearing loss.
52 million people in Europe identify as having some level of hearing loss.
An estimated 48 million people in the United States and four million in Canada have some degree of hearing loss.
1 in 6 people in Australia – more than 3.5 million – are living with hearing loss
Barriers to Accessing Hearing Healthcare
Despite the prevalence of hearing loss, many individuals face barriers to accessing timely and appropriate hearing healthcare services. Factors such as lack of awareness, stigma, financial constraints, and limited access to hearing professionals can hinder individuals from seeking help for their hearing loss. Learn about how we’re helping the healthcare sector to become more accessible.
The Importance of Hearing Loop Systems
Hearing loop systems play a vital role in enhancing accessibility and communication for individuals with hearing loss. By transmitting audio signals directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants equipped with telecoils, hearing loop systems improve speech intelligibility and reduce background noise, making public spaces more inclusive and accommodating for individuals with hearing impairments.
For more information about our assistive hearing technology, get in touch with the Contacta team today.
Measures have been put in place in many countries to support the needs of people with hearing loss.
For more information on legislation and best practice, click here.
MADE IN THE UK: We’re proud to say our Contacta designed products are manufactured in the UK