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Act Now for Hearing Health in the European Union

Untreated hearing loss constitutes a significant economic and societal burden for the EU. Missing strategies to tackle hearing health increase the negative impacts and create inequalities. The Hearing Health Forum EU introduced a Hearing Manifesto, advocating for a joint European Hearing Health Strategy. Based on four HEAR pillars, it aims to make hearing health a political priority.

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HEAR
Strategy

Hearing Loss Awareness

Hearing loss is an underrated health challenge, leading to stigmatisation, isolation and increased costs. We call on Member States and the European Commission to introduce awareness campaigns and develop guidelines to improve knowledge of hearing loss, reduce stigma, and promote social inclusion of people affected.

HEAR
Strategy

Early Detection & Prevention

Prevention and early detection of hearing loss are key to hearing health. We call on Member States to introduce easily accessible national hearing screening programmes for adults, and to promote hearing health at workplaces and safe listening practices in recreation to prevent a further rise in hearing loss incidence

HEAR
Strategy

Access & Care

People with hearing loss need better access to individual hearing care services, allowing them to make informed decisions. We call on Member States to facilitate equal access to and reimbursement of cost-effective treatment options, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.

HEAR
Strategy

Research & Data

Research demonstrates how hearing loss treatment enhances quality of life and reduces societal costs. We call on the European Commission to support hearing loss research and data collection, enabling Member States to introduce impactful policies that cater to the needs of people with hearing loss.

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Fill in your details to express your support. We will list you and/or your organization in the “Endorser” section of the Policy Manifesto.

    Be the One to Set Hearing Free

    Reconnect With Life

    Awareness of hearing loss is a key pillar in a European Hearing Health Strategy. Hearing Health Forum and its partner MED-EL developed an international campaign showing how barriers of hearing loss in professional life can be removed.
    Sign the Manifesto and support us in prioritising hearing health!

    Why We Need to Act Now

    Untreated hearing loss in adults is associated with a range of comorbidities, such as depression, higher risk of cognitive decline and falls. Communication barriers lead to missed career opportunities and early retirement. Higher healthcare and educational costs paired with lower economic productivity pose a significant financial burden on Europe’s society.

    Dementia
    Hearing loss raises dementia risk by 8%, making it one of the top modifiable risk factors.
    $224.5 billion
    Yearly costs of untreated hearing loss amounts to $224.5 billion due to health-care costs, lost productivity, education and societal costs.
    $1 ↔ $30
    Every dollar invested in ear and hearing care yields a return of 30 dollars over ten years.

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