Hearing loss currently affects over 500 million people around the world, and this number is poised to reach an astonishing 700 million by the end of this decade. Studies have demonstrated that untreated hearing loss leads to feelings of isolation, depression and anger and even has the potential to affect one’s level of income. Quality of life is altered on more levels than the obvious sound-based communication challenges.
Despite common thinking, hearing loss is not a disorder of “old age”. In fact, 65% of those with hearing loss are under the age of 65. Genetics, illnesses and over-exposure to high levels of sound contribute to the possibility that you or someone you love will sustain hearing loss. Everyone is at risk and with the sound levels in our world increasing on a daily basis, the likelihood we will experience damage to our hearing is higher than ever. These are not trivial issues and it is amazing to think that the health of the auditory sense does not receive more attention.
