Hearing loss is often underestimated in its impact, yet the statistics reveal a crisis that demands urgent attention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 466 million people globally suffer from disabling hearing loss—a number that is expected to nearly double by 2050, reaching close to 900 million. In the United States alone, nearly 38 million adults experience some form of hearing loss, making it one of the most prevalent chronic conditions.
The economic burden of untreated hearing loss is staggering. WHO estimates that unaddressed hearing loss costs the global economy approximately $750 billion annually. This figure encompasses direct health costs (excluding hearing devices), productivity losses due to unemployment or lower earnings, and social costs related to communication barriers, reduced quality of life, and social isolation.
However, the impact of hearing loss extends far beyond economics. Individuals with untreated hearing loss are significantly more likely to experience cognitive decline, depression, and a reduced ability to perform everyday tasks. Research from institutions like Johns Hopkins University has shown that untreated hearing loss increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Specifically, individuals with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia as those with normal hearing, while those with severe hearing loss are up to five times more likely.
Despite these alarming consequences, many people delay seeking help for their hearing loss. On average, individuals wait 7-10 years from the time they first notice hearing loss to when they seek treatment. This delay can lead to irreversible damage, making early intervention crucial.
This is where Merlin comes into play. Merlin, our AI-powered online hearing health guide, is designed to change this narrative by making hearing health a priority through personalized, proactive guidance. By leveraging AI-driven nudges and behavioural insights, Merlin empowers users to take the necessary steps toward better hearing health, significantly reducing the risk of serious complications.
We are currently crowdfunding to support the advancements needed for Merlin to succeed in its mission. Please visit our crowdfunding campaign to see how you can help us address the global hearing challenge and protect your hearing health and that of your loved ones: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/merlin
Merlin will support users in assessing their hearing health status, providing follow-up testing, unbiased advice, education, nudges, and even medical recommendations, if necessary, to help them manage, rehabilitate, and improve their hearing health. But we need your support to bring Merlin to life.
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Terry Mactaggart, MBA, is the President and CEO of Summus Hearing. He can be contacted at [email protected]
