Though hearing loss is one of the most common medical conditions people live with today, it is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Nearly 1 in 8 people have some degree of impaired hearing, impacting over 48 million people. But only a third of people who could benefit from treatment actually receive it. Untreated hearing loss can have significant effects on health and quality of life. A reduced capacity to hear and process speech as well as sound strains communication which can take a toll on relationships, social life, and increase health risks. To better meet the needs of people with hearing loss on a systemic level, experts developed an action plan that outlines a comprehensive strategy for hearing healthcare.
Widespread Inaction on Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is the third most pervasive chronic health issue people experience. According to the National Institutes of Health:
- 1 in 3 adults, ages 65-74, have hearing loss
- 1 in 2 adults, agest 75 and older have disabling hearing loss
These figures highlight how pervasive hearing loss is, especially among older adults. Though it is common, hearing loss is widely undertreated. It takes an average of 7 years for people to address hearing loss symptoms. Examining the scope of inaction when it comes to hearing loss, the American-Speech- Language -Hearing Association (ASHA) conducted a study. Researchers polled 2,500 people and found that:
- 2 in 10 adults have had their hearing tested in the past 5 years compared to 6 in 10 adults who have had their vision tested.
- More than 51% of people reported having hearing issues but only 11% have sought treatment.
- 78% of those with hearing issues have been experiencing them for 1 or more years, and over 35% have had trouble for 5 or more years.
This data reveals that not only is hearing health not prioritized but it is common to ignore systems for a substantial amount of time. These findings support further research that shows that hearing loss is significantly unaddressed.
Action Plan to Address Hearing Loss
This year, experts developed and are advocating for an action plan that addresses hearing loss and hearing healthcare. This action plan calls for streamlining of hearing healthcare services as well as greater resources. The action plan consists of three strategies:
- Coordinated Strategy for Ear & Hearing Health Care. Hearing healthcare services and treatment is often fragmented and seemingly scattered. This differs from other healthcare systems for cancer and mental health treatment which tend to be more streamlined. Services that extend across different healthcare professionals makes it challenging to share information and communication. This strategy advocates for creating comprehensive public health policies and resources for hearing health that people can easily access and navigate. This allows people to readily learn more about hearing loss, services, and solutions which promote treatment.
- Effectively Meeting Hearing Loss Needs. This strategy addresses how hearing loss needs can be effectively and efficiently met. Strategies to best identify and meet needs should include:
- Improving communication in healthcare settings. This includes providing closed captioned services, amplification devices, sign language interpreters, and other technologies that support hearing and communication.
- Making and scheduling of appointments as simple and accessible as possible.
- Reducing background noise in healthcare settings, especially during appointments. Being able to effectively meet hearing needs also requires healthcare professionals who are trained to communicate with people whose hearing is impaired.
- Increase Funding for Hearing Loss Research. Though hearing loss is one of the most common health issues today, funding for research does not reflect that. Among 30 common conditions, National Institutes of Health funding for hearing loss research ranked 20th in 2017 even though hearing loss was the 5th most common cause of disability. This strategy advocates for an increase in funding for hearing loss research that explores causes, impact of untreated hearing loss, and treatment.
This action plan is geared towards creating better hearing healthcare systems that better meet the needs of people with hearing loss. The strategies outlined in the action plan can help raise awareness about hearing loss and solutions which deconstruct the misconceptions and stigma that often prevent action. Creating comprehensive healthcare systems increases accessibility which enables people to seek treatment easily. These strategies can help provide greater treatment to more people which supports health and quality of life.
