Listen to this

Maintaining good hearing may help protect cognitive health

JOIN THE HEARING HEALTH MOVEMENT

Untreated hearing loss is a growing global health concern that has a profound impact on peoples’ quality of life.

New research is unveiling the correlation between hearing loss and cognitive health, highlighting the need for new strategies and initiatives that will help promote and protect our most precious possession – the ability to hear, think and live.

At LISTEN TO THIS, we are connecting healthcare partners, policy makers, patient advocacy groups and more – with the aim to raise awareness, form new partnerships, and promote new research on the impact of hearing loss and the benefits of timely hearing interventions.

This site offers more information on the impact of hearing loss and cognitive health, an overview of relevant published research and initiatives, as well as an invitation for new partners to join the movement.

Learn more

Hear

think

live.

Join the hearing health movement and let’s fight cognitive decline – from the ear inwards

1500000000

More than 1.5 billion people worldwide currently experience some degree of hearing loss and by 2050 this number could grow to nearly 2.5 billion¹

65 %

Over 65% of adults – or two in three – aged above 60 experience hearing loss, which is of moderate or higher grade in nearly 25% of this age group¹

430000000

Around 5% of the global population – or 430 million people – require rehabilitation to address their hearing loss, which if untreated could impact quality of life¹

48 %

A recent study indicates that the use of hearing aids could slow the progression of cognitive decline by up to 48% for individuals at high risk²

THE IMPACT OF HEARING LOSS

Hearing loss is more than a loss of sound. It can have a profound effect on our health and quality of life. The science is showing how an untreated hearing loss can potentially impact so many aspects of our lives – our social, mental, emotional, cognitive, even physical health. That’s why hearing care should be an essential part of living a long and healthy life.

LEarn more

The benefits of hearing care

Hearing is the third most commonly reported chronic condition after arthritis and hypertension. Although hearing loss by many is seen as more of a nuisance and something you can learn to accept, we are learning more and more the significant positive impact on your quality of life if you seek timely hearing care. It can improve the ability to communicate with the world around you and give back a greater level of independence.

ON THE FRONTLINE OF HEARING HEALTH

If you’re a hearing care professional, you’ll know that the world of hearing care is moving fast. And that the path to better hearing often starts with you. That’s why we want to arm you with the insights and inspiration you need to keep delivering the best hearing and health care possible. Now and the future ahead.

discover more

PROJECTS & RESEARCH INITIATIVES

PREDICTOM

A public-private partnership focused on hearing loss as an Alzheimer’s risk factor and finding accessible solutions to identify at-risk individuals earlier.

THE BUSINESS COLLABORATIVE FOR BRAIN HEALTH

A private-sector coalition dedicated to developing innovative solutions than can enhance brain health across the lifespan.

VOCAL BIOMARKER TECHNOLOGY

A co-development initiative with Sonde Health and GN to develop new vocal biomarker technology that can detect mild cognitive impairment.

Health outcomes research

A collaborative partnership with Eradigm and GN that aims to quantify the economic and health benefits for early intervention in hearing loss.

references

World Health Organization. (2021). The World Report on Hearing (WHR), https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/world-report-on-hearing
Lin FR, Pike JR, Albert MS, et al. Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2023; published online July 18. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01406-X