Hearing loss might sound frightening, but it can be effectively prevented, and its impact reduced. Innovative hearing technologies, coupled with professional care, can offer persons living with hearing loss the opportunity to remain independent and fully empowered members of society.

Hearing loss is principally a natural consequence of aging, as our hearing deteriorates when we get older. Age-related hearing loss results from loss or damage to the tiny hair cells in the cochlea in the inner ear. It typically appears in our sixties and seventies and develops slowly over time – this is why early detection is so important.

About one in 10 Europeans is living with hearing loss – and the effects can be felt across society. Hearing loss is an important contributor to productivity losses, unemployment and income gaps. It also causes people to be less active and mobile, and less able to enjoy social activities.

Hearing loss does not have to be permanent. Assistive technologies such as hearing instruments offer well-established ways to remain independent and mobile, fully empowered, active members of society.

As we live in noisy societies, our daily exposure to sound is directly linked to the risk of damage to our ears. Taking precautions against hearing loss, such as wearing hearing protection and avoiding noisy environments are required to prevent hearing loss.