Hearing Loss can have a significant impact on individuals and their relatives or colleagues.
People with hearing loss typically find everyday life difficult.  The effect of constantly not understanding people can also have an impact on mental health.
Individuals may choose to withdraw from social circles and work environments because they are embarrassed and frustrated that they cannot hear and interact with others.  They may become annoyed that people don't speak loudly or clearly enough for them to hear, and tired of constantly asking people to repeat themselves.  Friends, relatives or members of the public can sometimes mistake the symptoms of hearing loss for refusal to co-operate or confusion - particularly in older people.
People with hearing loss can be at danger in their everyday life if they do not have alternatives for sound-based alarms and danger warnings.