Europe stands at a demographic crossroads. By 2050, one in three Europeans will be aged 60 or over. Ensuring that citizens age healthily and remain active in society is therefore not only a public health priority, but an economic and social imperative.
Yet one essential element of healthy ageing continues to be overlooked — hearing health. Untreated hearing loss is a significant public health concern with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and society.
Hearing Loss: A Silent Epidemic with Loud Consequences
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), untreated hearing loss is among the top modifiable risk factors for dementia. It is also linked to comorbidities such as depression, social isolation, increased risk of falls, and cardiovascular diseases.
The financial and economic impact on society and the EU is considerable. Untreated hearing loss costs the EU up to $224.5 billion per year, including productivity loss, early retirement, educational support, and healthcare expenses for treatment and comorbidities.
Yet, despite these alarming facts, hearing loss remains under-recognised and under-treated across the EU.
The Manifesto for Hearing Health: A European Strategy
The Hearing Health Forum EU, a partnership of European user associations, leading hearing experts, and industry, has launched a Manifesto for Hearing Health, calling for a coordinated European strategy based on four key pillars:
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Hearing Loss Awareness
Combat stigma and raise public understanding through national awareness campaigns.
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Early Prevention and Detection
Implement adult hearing screening programmes and promote safe listening practices.
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Access & Care
Ensure equitable access to hearing technologies like hearing aids and cochlear implants.
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Research & Data
Invest in research and data collection to inform evidence-based policymaking.
Together, these HEAR pillars offer a practical and cost-effective roadmap for improving citizens’ quality of life while supporting the EU’s ambitions on healthy ageing and brain health.
Raising Awareness of Adult Hearing Loss: “Reconnect With Life” Campaign:
In line with the awareness pillar, the “Reconnect With Life” campaign — developed by the Hearing Health Forum EU and MED-EL — illustrates how hearing loss limits participation in social and professional life. It calls on policymakers to recognise hearing health as a cornerstone of active and healthy ageing.
Integrating hearing health into EU and national frameworks on dementia, inclusion, and ageing would deliver clear benefits: better health outcomes, higher productivity, and stronger social participation.
Hearing Technology and Cochlear Implants: Gateway to Independence
Modern hearing technologies not only restore communication but also delay cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.
For people with severe-to-profound hearing loss, hearing aids and cochlear implants can transform lives, enabling independence and extending active participation in work and community life.
Studies show that in a 10-year period, every $1 invested in European hearing care can yield up to $30 in return, through reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity.
A Clear Call to Action for Europe
Europe cannot afford inaction on hearing health. Hearing health must be embedded in the EU’s vision for healthy ageing, brain health, and social inclusion. We urge Members of the European Parliament and national policymakers to:
Every voice matters: read and endorse the Manifesto for Hearing Health.
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