According to the World Health Organization, nearly 2.5 billion people are projected to have hearing loss by 2050, and over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe use of personal listening devices. Hearing loss has many causes, but the most widespread is loud noise exposure. Unaddressed hearing loss limits communication, creates social isolation, and is associated with cognitive decline. Protections like earplugs and ear muffs are important but insufficient to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and pharmaceutical options have shown little clinical utility.

Occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses. About 22 million people are exposed to hazardous noise at work each year, and in the US, hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical health condition. Tinnitus is closely associated with occupational hearing loss. People who have jobs in noisy environments such as firefighters, construction workers, and military personnel are particularly vulnerable to NIHL.

Hearing loss is associated with a range of negative outcomes such as anxiety and depression, cognitive decline, and social isolation. Rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s are higher among individuals with hearing loss, with hearing intervention cited as a prevention method. Further, new research suggests that hearing loss may be a contributor to heart disease. Taking measures to protect your hearing at any stage can contribute to overall health and social wellbeing for life.