Hearing loss affects millions of people. According to the World Health Organization( WHO), over 1.5 billion people( nearly 20 % of the global population) live with hearing loss and around 430 million require rehabilitation. With this in mind, we examine this silent condition that often goes unnoticed, until it impacts a person’ s daily life.
DID YOU KNOW?
Hearing loss is more common than you think: 1 in 3 people over 65 and 1 in 4 over 55 suffer from some mild to moderate hearing loss.
People with hearing loss:
• Are 57 % more likely to suffer from deep episodes of stress, anxiety or depression
• Are up to 5 times more likely to develop dementia
• Are 36 % more likely to have prolonged stretches of illness or injury( lasting more than 10 days)
• Are 32 % more likely to be hospitalised than peers
‘ Hearing loss is a major public health concern,’ says Dr Themba Hadebe, Clinical and Managed Care Executive.‘ In South Africa, around 20 % of the population struggles to hear properly. While hearing loss becomes more common with age, one in three people over the age of 65 experience hearing difficulties. It can impact newborns, children and young adults due to genetic factors, infections or prolonged exposure to loud noises.’
RECOGNISING THE SIGNS Common signs of hearing difficulties include:
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Increasing the volume on the TV or radio
• Struggling to hear in a noisy environment
• Missing alarm sounds or your phone ringing
In children, signs include delayed speech development, difficulty following instructions, inattentiveness and a general lack of response to sounds and voices.
EARLY HEARING TESTING MATTERS Detecting hearing loss early is critical to preventing long-term complications.
‘ Hearing loss affects communication, leading to social isolation, frustration and can even cause mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. In adults it has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia,’ says Dr Hadebe.
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Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 3 / 2025