As Europe’s demographic profile changes, hearing health is becoming increasingly important to public health and social policy. Access to professional hearing care can help people stay independent, connected and active, supporting healthy ageing and continued participation in society.

Globally, around 1.57 billion people were living with some degree of hearing loss in 2019, and this figure is projected to reach 2.45 billion by 2050. Hearing loss becomes increasingly common with age: around one in five people aged 65–74 experience hearing difficulties, rising to more than one in three among those over 74.

Changes in hearing can make everyday communication and activities more challenging, from shopping and travelling to socialising and taking part in cultural or community life. Timely access to hearing care and appropriate technologies can help people remain independent, mobile and connected with family, friends and society.

Accessible environments are equally important. Public spaces such as cultural venues, cinemas, airports and train stations should enable people with different hearing needs to access information and participate fully. New assistive listening technologies, including Auracast™ broadcast audio, can help make public environments more inclusive.

As Europe’s population ages, the number of people who could benefit from hearing care will continue to grow. Integrating hearing health into wider strategies for healthy ageing, accessibility and healthcare can help people maintain autonomy, participation and quality of life for longer.

Disabling hearing loss is estimated to cost the EU and UK around €185 billion every year, reflecting healthcare costs as well as wider impacts on quality of life and economic participation. Hearing loss can also create barriers to employment and sustained participation in the workforce.

Among working-age adults in Europe, around 64% of people with hearing loss are employed, compared with 77% of the general population [1]. This difference is estimated to contribute around €55 billion in lost productivity each year across the EU.

Challenges in the workplace can take different forms, from difficulty following conversations and meetings to communicating effectively in noisy environments. Appropriate hearing care, hearing technologies and accessible workplaces can help people remain engaged and productive throughout their working lives.

The wider economic impact can include:

• Higher risks of unemployment and early retirement among people with hearing loss.
• Reduced income and fewer employment opportunities where hearing needs are not adequately supported.
• Greater fatigue and difficulty participating fully in the workplace.
• Wider costs for employers, public services and social protection systems.

Improving access to professional hearing care can therefore support not only individual well-being, but also workforce participation, economic resilience and more inclusive societies.