Hearing care as a public health priority: Understanding its benefits and why improved access matters

Hearing loss affects over 56 million people in Europe and is one of the fastest-growing health challenges of our time. Its impact goes far beyond communication: untreated hearing loss is the largest modifiable risk factor for dementia and is closely linked to depression, social isolation, reduced mobility, and early retirement. The economic cost is equally stark: an estimated €185 billion per year in the EU and UK alone.

But the good news is clear: hearing care works. Over 90% of hearing aid users report an improved quality of life, including improved sleep, reduced exhaustion, enhanced communication, social engagement, employment prospects, and decreased stigma associated with hearing loss. Yet access remains uneven. Too many people fall through the cracks due to stigma, cost, or lack of early detection.

This evidence-based paper makes the case for hearing care as a cornerstone of healthy ageing. It shows how early intervention, person-centred support, and fair reimbursement can transform lives and reduce the long-term social and economic burden. With the right policies, hearing care is not just a health service, it’s a sound investment.

Download the full paper here:

EHIMA, Hearing care as a public health priority: Understanding its benefits and why improved access matters (2025)