The present era has seen a marked rise in hearing difficulties. There are two main reasons for this:

The overall level of noise has risen hugely all over the world. Both at work and at home, everybody is subjected to numerous sources of noise. For example, tests have revealed that more than half of all MP3 players on the market  can play music at a volume of more than 89 decibels – the noise level made by a passing car. Anyone who listens to music at this volume over a long period will suffer hearing damage.

The average lifespan of a human being is far longer, in most countries, than  it was a few decades ago – and it is still growing. This automatically results  in an increase in cases of age-related hearing loss. The “baby boomer”  generation – those born in the high-birthrate years between 1946 and 1964  – grew up with rising noise levels, and is increasingly being affected by  hearing problems.

Untreated hearing loss significantly reduces the quality of life for those affected, especially socially and/or psychologically.

In 1999, the US National Council on Aging (NCOA) conducted a study of people over 50 with hearing loss, and this survey can still be cited as representative of many other studies. The study showed that people with hearing loss who did not use a hearing aid were more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and agitation than those who did. They cut down on their social activities, became less emotionally stable, and had difficulty concentrating.

In contrast, the study revealed that the quality of life of most hearing aid users had improved substantially since they had started wearing a hearing aid. Their family relationships were better, their self-esteem improved, and they felt that they had greater independence and security.

Failure to treat hearing loss can lead to physical problems: In addition to a general feeling of malaise, those surveyed showed symptoms such as fatigue or exhaustion, headaches and muscular pains, dizziness, stress and high blood pressure, eating and sleep disorders, and digestive problems.

These symptoms do not necessarily come from untreated hearing loss, but they are frequently observed. People with hearing loss should therefore keep a close watch on their well-being.
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