Hearing loss is a very common problem. More than 500 million people worldwide experience some degree of hearing loss. As noise levels increase everywhere, the number continues to rise. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise at work and at home is resulting in hearing loss becoming more common at an earlier age.

Our ability to hear affects how we communicate and connect with others. For this reason, social and emotional effects often accompany symptoms of hearing loss. In this section, you can learn more about the causes, types and signs of hearing loss, treatment options, and where you can go for help.

Most people who use hearing aids have improved social lives. The use of hearing aids is associated with reductions in anger, frustration, paranoia, anxiety and overall improvements in emotional stability.

Impact of hearing loss