Hearing Loss Reduces Employment, Earnings for 1.6 Billion Globally

Hearing loss affects over 1.6 billion people globally and is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, causing significant socioeconomic impacts including reduced educational and employment outcomes among young Americans. Gene therapy presents a promising avenue for hereditary hearing loss, with approaches such as gene replacement, suppression, and editing showing encouraging results in preclinical and early clinical trials, although no drug therapy currently restores natural hearing. Research using data from elderly Chinese populations and longitudinal studies highlights the widespread prevalence and long-term consequences of hearing impairment. Noise-induced hearing loss, especially among infants and young adults, underscores the importance of preventive measures like luxury ear plugs to protect delicate auditory cells. Furthermore, emerging studies suggest a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including increased risk of dementia, emphasizing the importance of hearing care in maintaining engagement and communication as people age. Experts advocate prioritizing hearing health due to its broad benefits on quality of life and cognitive function.