According to the World Health Organization, approximately 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. Projections show that number growing to 900 million by 2050. Undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss often has significant effects on various factors of someone’s quality of life. Because hearing loss is not a visible disability, people with hearing loss tend to ignore their difficulties, and may not recognize the stages of hearing loss.

It is known that people don’t always accurately recognize the early signs of hearing loss. In fact, many Canadians are not aware that they have significant hearing loss. An estimated 54% of Canadians (age 40 to 79) have at least mild hearing loss in one ear, while 77% report not having perceived any loss in hearing.

Studies have shown that even a mild hearing loss can increase the risks of long-term cognitive decline, and even dementia. At this time, hearing loss is considered one of the main risk factors, potentially modifiable by humans, that can reduce dementia incidence. Hearing loss can also be linked to feelings of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and fatigue, as well as leading to an increased chance of falls. Routine workplace hearing screenings can help identify hearing loss early, and help recognize undiagnosed hearing impairment.