Living with hearing loss could be anyone’s reality. While the prevalence of hearing loss increases as people age, it can impact anyone across the entire life course. Employees in certain occupations with high exposure to noise may find themselves at increased risk, and we are all exposed to an increasing amount of everyday noises like music or traffic that can cause damage to the inner ear. This means that far more people are at risk of hearing loss than just those experiencing age-related hearing decline.
According to the WHO, by 2050 nearly 2.5 billion people worldwide are projected to have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million will require hearing rehabilitation. Therefore, understanding who is at risk of hearing loss is of critical importance for both policymakers and health professionals, as well as the general public. This is especially important when we consider that many types of hearing loss are preventable or most types are treatable with cost-effective interventions.
Occupational risks: Noise-induced hearing loss
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most commonly reported occupational disease in the EU. Certain professions, such as construction workers, musicians, and factory workers are at higher risk due to prolonged exposure to loud noises. In these instances, the impact of hazardous noise depends on both the intensity and duration of noise exposure. Frequency and sudden sound ‘peaks’ can also increase health risks.
Greater awareness has led to more preventative measures and policies being put in place, such as stricter regulations around exposure to noise and mandatory use of hearing protection, but there is more that can be done to help protect workers.
For example, access to screening and hearing health care should be considered, including for middle-aged people, to help them detect, understand and take remediating action.
Age-related hearing loss: The impact of an ageing population
Ageing and hearing loss are closely correlated. Data shows that roughly 30% of men and 20% of women in Europe were found to have a hearing loss of 30 dB or more by the time they reach the age of 70, rising to 55% and 45%, respectively, by the age of 80.
According to the most recent EuroTrak studies, which offer a snapshot of European hearing health, some 53.4% of the 65 years and older population self-reports to have hearing loss.
Lifestyle and environmental factors: Everyday risks
Lifestyle choices and environmental factors also contribute to hearing loss, such as listening to loud music and exposure to environmental noise pollution. For example, the WHO estimates that over one billion young people globally are at risk of hearing loss due to sound exposure in recreational settings. As a result, the WHO has developed the ‘Global standard for safe listening venues and events’, which provides a common understanding of safe listening in entertainment venues and events.
Public awareness of these risks is crucial, along with improved healthcare guidelines, in order to mitigate their impact and ensure people seek intervention and treatment in a timely manner.
What action can we take to support these at-risk groups?
There are many groups across European society who are at risk for hearing loss. Fortunately, effective strategies exist to mitigate risks.
While some European laws and regulations address this health risk, policymakers need to increase their focus on the issue to drive further action. For example, under the Environmental Noise Directive, European Union countries must prepare protection action plans to help reduce dangerous environmental noise. However, the European Commission has warned that EU countries are not on track to meet their targets, and harmful noise levels especially from traffic and in urban areas require stronger action.
Education campaigns, targeted policies and support for regular screening can raise awareness and inspire more action in the broad sections of society who may be affected by hearing loss. Mitigating the risks and improving outcomes across must be a collaborative effort among policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public.
