Studies show that people with hearing loss are at risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, stress and chemical dependency which can impact their performance at work and their lifestyles at home. Hearing loss affects a large percentage of the population. Approximately nine percent of people in the United States have hearing loss that results in communication problems. There is a stigma attached to hearing loss which, for some people who are hard of hearing, may result in an attempt to hide or deny their hearing loss. This is particularly true of employees who fear being seen as less competent if they admit to hearing loss in the workplace.
Hearing aids are a major uncovered health care expense.
Since most people have hearing loss in both ears, the expense is considerable for the individual. Children need hearing aids to maximize their residual hearing to enable them to learn language and to participate fully in the education process. Children need new hearing aids regularly during their growth years. Some insurance policies cover hearing aids. This has had a negligible effect on premiums to date.