Latest news with #hearingloss
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Hearing Loss Stigma Isn't The Problem, The Hearing Industry Is
I have been living with hearing loss and working as an advocate and innovator in hearing care for decades. I am tired of hearing the same outdated refrain: stigma. Yes, stigma exists. But the way we keep talking about it — cautious, clinical, and stuck — has become part of the problem. It signals limitation instead of possibility. It feels more like a warning than an invitation. That kind of language does not inspire action. It encourages avoidance. We have been talking about stigma in hearing care for decades. Yet the messaging has not changed. It still sounds uncomfortable and hesitant. Meanwhile, public conversations around mental health, aging, and neurodiversity have evolved. But hearing care continues to fall back on language rooted in loss. It is time to change the tone entirely. That was the takeaway from this year's Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, hosted by Hearing Health and Technology Matters. I participated in a panel discussion on the persistent stigma surrounding hearing support. While stigma remains a factor, the conversation around it is stuck. The panel agreed: the industry needs to stop expecting people to meet it on clinical terms. Instead, we must meet people where they are. We can not keep blaming stigma for lack of adoption. The hearing space has a deeper problem — a storytelling and customer experience gap that continues to turn people away. We have all heard the same list of reasons why people avoid hearing support: These excuses are decades old and yet they remain. That is because hearing aid companies have not dismantled them. Whether legacy brands or OTC newcomers, the marketing often focuses on technical features or promotional discounts. But those strategies rarely answer the real, unspoken concerns people have. Cost is a real issue, yes. But so is value uncertainty. If people do not understand what they will get back — socially, emotionally, professionally — then the price will always feel too high. A Forbes Health survey found that nearly half of U.S. adults believe there is a stigma associated with hearing aids. And 41 percent said they would feel embarrassed to wear one. That is telling. But even more revealing is how little has changed to address those feelings in a meaningful, sustained way. Most people do not notice hearing loss right away. That is because it rarely happens all at once. What I like to refer to as the 'dimmer switch' is how gradual hearing loss unfolds for many of us as we age. It starts subtly. You ask someone to repeat themselves. Background noise becomes harder to manage. You turn up the TV. You leave conversations feeling mentally drained. Eventually, you might begin to withdraw from the situations you once enjoyed, not from lack of interest, but because they are simply too hard to navigate. This is not denial. It is how we adapt. The shift happens slowly, so people adjust without realizing just how much clarity they have lost. The problem is that while this process is common, it is rarely discussed with any emotional nuance. Compare that to vision care. Glasses are celebrated. They are stylish, expected, even aspirational. But hearing support? Still burdened with outdated associations. That needs to change. And it begins by recognizing that the real challenges people face are not just about hearing — they are about confidence, connection, and control. Over the years, I have had numerous and ongoing conversations with people navigating hearing challenges, from longtime hearing aid users to those just starting to notice something has changed. One thing is clear: what people are asking for is not in the features list. It is in the emotional subtext. They would say: These are not just clinical cases. Some are dealing with noise sensitivity, others with auditory fatigue. Both deeply affect quality of life, work performance, social participation, and emotional wellbeing. These are not product problems. They are emotional problems. And if the industry can not connect to that layer, it will continue to fall short of meeting real human needs. During my time at Apple, I helped lead accessibility initiatives and saw firsthand what it takes to build trust. It was not about pushing products. It was about creating spaces where people felt seen, heard, and empowered to explore solutions. The Apple Retail philosophy followed its 'Apple Steps of Service' framework: It worked because it was human. Not transactional, it is relational and captures something I have repeated many times — people come to shop and return to learn. That mindset is showing up in other places now, including hearing care. In a recent conversation I had with Alfonso Cerullo, President of LensCrafters, we spoke about how the brand is expanding beyond vision with the addition of Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses. What stood out is how closely their evolving customer journey reflects a more intentional, trust-based model, one that similarly echoes the Apple retail approach. It is about treating hearing care the same way we treat vision: with ease, clarity, and design that meets people where they are. That approach is what the hearing space needs more of. It is not about gadgets. It is about the space we create around them. To make real progress, hearing health needs to stop leading with product specs and start leading with how people want to live. Ask better questions: People are not resisting hearing support because they are ashamed. More often, they are confused, under-informed, or simply uninvited. We can change that by creating spaces of trust, not pressure. Hearing is not just a health issue. It is a human experience. It influences how we live, work, and connect. It is time to bring hearing support into the wellness category, alongside sleep, mental health, and movement. And it is time for brands to stop managing stigma and start designing connection. The brands that do this well won't just earn trust. They will unlock one of the most underserved opportunities in consumer health today. Let us stop managing hearing loss. Let us start designing for confidence, clarity, and connection.
CNET
4 days ago
- General
- CNET
On Save Your Hearing Day, Discover 7 Unexpected Things That Can Give You Hearing Loss
Today is National Save Your Hearing Day, a reminder of how important hearing is for your communication, learning and speech. That's why it's always a good idea to work on preserving your hearing and protecting your ears, and that starts with understanding that loud noises and aging aren't the only things that can cause hearing loss. In addition to different types of hearing loss, these are the unexpected factors that can affect your hearing health. Hearing loss types Before discussing the surprising sources of hearing loss, let's establish the types. There are three categories. Sensorineural hearing loss: This type involves damage to the inner ear, which is made up of the cochlea and semicircular canals. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type, often caused by aging, head trauma or illness. This type involves damage to the inner ear, which is made up of the cochlea and semicircular canals. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type, often caused by aging, head trauma or illness. Conductive hearing loss : The sounds can't get past the outer or middle ear with conductive hearing loss. This makes things sound muffled. Conductive hearing loss is often caused by illness that leads to fluid in the middle ear; an ear infection; or a hole in the eardrum. Medication or surgery can often solve the problem. : The sounds can't get past the outer or middle ear with conductive hearing loss. This makes things sound muffled. Conductive hearing loss is often caused by illness that leads to fluid in the middle ear; an ear infection; or a hole in the eardrum. Medication or surgery can often solve the problem. Mixed hearing loss: This type describes an instance in which sensorineural and conductive hearing loss occur together. Sensorineural hearing loss is treated with hearing aids from your doctor or over the counter. You can choose from over-the-ear, in-ear, or in-canal devices. Conductive hearing loss that isn't responding to medical intervention is treatable with specialized hearing aids: bone conduction, air conduction and bone-anchored varieties. 7 things that can causes hearing loss without you realizing it Sometimes, your hearing can degrade slowly over time. So slowly that you might not even notice it. Or, you manage well enough that you miss the signs. The signs of hearing loss are subtle, like having to turn up the volume, asking people to repeat themselves and having a hard time having conversions. Remember this list of possible causes to help your doctor find the source of your hearing loss. Infections Both viral and bacterial infections can impair your hearing. Something as simple as a cold or an ear infection can muffle your hearing, impair your balance or result in tinnitus. The good news is that this type of hearing loss is often only temporary. The sooner you seek treatment, the less likely the hearing loss will be permanent. The type of hearing loss depends on the source of the infection. Generally, virus-induced hearing loss is sensorineural, though conductive and mixed hearing loss is possible. Bacterial infections of the middle ear are generally conductive hearing loss. Our body's inflammatory response can result in fluid or mucus buildup behind the eardrum and muffle the hearing. Most cases can be resolved with medication. Head trauma When I say head trauma, I'm referring to anything that damages the structures of the ears or brain. That may be a blow to the head, a foreign object in your ear or an accident that damages your eardrum or canal. When something ruptures your eardrum (the membrane in the ear that keeps bacteria out), auditory signals that are usually transferred through vibrations are hindered from the ear to the brain. In the case of a ruptured eardrum, hearing loss is temporary. It doesn't always have to be a significant occurrence to damage your eardrum or inner ear. Even things that don't seem like a big deal can impact your hearing. If you've noticed hearing loss and remember any head trauma, bringing it up with your doctor is problems You probably wouldn't connect any dental problems to issues with your hearing. However, the two are more related than you think. Bacterial infections in the mouth -- from tooth infections or impacted wisdom teeth -- can compromise your hearing because they cause inflammation that narrows your blood vessels. Narrowed blood vessels limit blood flow to essential ear hair cells and key brain areas. Cochlear hair cells are located in the inner ear and function as the sensory cells for hearing. They turn the vibration from sound into electrical signals for the brain. They can become damaged or die if they don't get enough blood, leading to permanent hearing loss. That doesn't mean getting a tooth infection will immediately hurt your hearing. However, it does highlight the importance of dental hygiene and addressing issues quickly to avoid unforeseen side effects. Diabetes According to the American Diabetes Association, if you have diabetes, you're twice as likely to develop hearing loss. That's because the disease can damage the nerve cells in your ears. It all goes back to sugar levels. High blood sugar levels deteriorate the cells and nerves of the inner ear. In contrast, low blood sugar levels can be just as damaging over time as they can compromise signals from the ears to the brain. Essentially, if your blood flow isn't giving the nerves what they need to send signals to the brain, hearing loss occurs. Even though having diabetes increases your risk for hearing loss, it doesn't automatically mean you'll develop it. The National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Diseases suggests following these steps to maintain your blood sugar levels and protect your hearing: Continue to monitor your glucose levels regularly. Exercise. Quit smoking. Drink water and avoid drinks high in sugar. Work with your doctor to develop a diabetes-friendly meal blood pressure We've established that blood flow is essential for healthy hearing. The ear structures are delicate and sensitive to changes in blood flow. When your blood pressure is high, your heart and blood vessels are overworked. Your heart is pumping more blood than usual, which means the ear structures are overwhelmed with blood, resulting in temporary hearing loss that goes away when your blood pressure goes back down. However, if you always have high blood pressure, it can damage the blood vessels in the ear, which is permanent. Hearing loss isn't one of the standard side effects of high blood pressure, but it can happen. Prescription medications You probably wouldn't expect a medication you get from the doctor to potentially damage your hearing, but it can occur. To be clear, it isn't all medications. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, approximately 200 medications and chemicals can hurt hearing. See a list of these medications here. A side effect of some medications is ototoxicity, which damages your inner ear. This can result in hearing loss, ringing in the ears or balance problems. The first sign generally is ringing of the ears or your ears feeling "full." Before you start taking a medication that can be ototoxic, you should have your hearing documented to have a baseline for comparison. Sleep apnea Recent research has linked sleep apnea to increased instances of hearing loss. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Otolaryngology found that sleep apnea increases the chances of hearing loss by 21%. Though there isn't a definitive reason from the medical community yet, it's likely linked to the decreased blood flow to the inner ears. Without blood flow, the cells and vessels die, which means messages won't get from the ear to the brain. Having sleep apnea doesn't necessarily mean you'll have hearing loss, but it's another reason to be certain you're seeking treatment. You should also keep updated assessments to be sure you're tracking your hearing over time. Too long; didn't read? There are more sources of hearing loss than most people think. You may have expected head trauma but not impacted wisdom teeth as a potential source. Here's the thing: Just because you have any of the things on the list doesn't mean it'll automatically translate to hearing loss. It's just something to remember if you notice your hearing is degrading. Hearing assistance is more accessible than ever before. Over-the-counter hearing aids are now available, many of which you can finance to make them more affordable. You don't have to live with hearing loss.
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Kids with hearing loss build connections at Vancouver Island beach day
Students with hearing loss on southern Vancouver Island build confidence and community at an annual beach day in Saanich.
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Miss Manners: Stranger on airplane poked passenger urging them to stand up
Dear Miss Manners: I was on a flight and sitting in the aisle seat. The middle seat and window seat were occupied by strangers. The plane had landed, and people were standing in the aisle waiting for the door to open. I remained seated, waiting for the aisle to clear. The woman in the window seat reached over and poked me, telling me to stand up. I have severe hearing loss. I wear a hearing aid and an implant. I'm not sure if she had been trying to tell me this and I hadn't heard her.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Starkey MEA amplifies awareness on hearing loss in MENA region as globally 2.5 billion are at risk
Dubai, UAE: In recognition of 'Better Hearing and Speech Month', Starkey MEA is urging families and healthcare providers across the Middle East and Africa to prioritize hearing health. To spotlight this often-overlooked issue, Starkey MEA is associating with Dr. Mohamed Ali Eltom, Chairman of International Diabetes Federation for MENA region and hearing loss patient —not only as a renowned physician, but as someone who has personally navigated the challenges of hearing loss. The global hearing health crisis is growing. By 2050, an estimated 2.5 billion people will experience some form of hearing loss, according to the World Health Organization. Over 700 million will need access to hearing rehabilitation. Yet across the region, millions remain undiagnosed, untreated, and underserved—impacting not just individual quality of life, but economic productivity, cognitive health, and social well-being. 'Your ears don't often get the same attention as your eyes or heart, but they are just as vital,' said Giscard Bechara, Regional Director, MEA, Starkey Laboratories Inc. 'Untreated hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, depression, and even increased risk of dementia. But with a simple test, that trajectory can change.' 'I began to struggle in meetings and international conferences. At first, I blamed background noise or fatigue. But eventually, I realized I was missing key parts of conversations—professionally and personally,' said Dr. Eltom. 'Getting my hearing checked changed everything. As both a doctor and a patient, I can say: early detection is not just helpful, it's essential.' Hearing loss often develops so gradually that many individuals may overlook the early signs or attribute them to other causes. Common indicators include frequently asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on the television or phone to uncomfortable levels, feeling unusually fatigued after conversations, struggling to hear high-pitched sounds or distinguish consonants, and withdrawing from social or professional settings due to communication challenges. The economic cost of unaddressed hearing loss is estimated at nearly $1 trillion annually. Yet many people in the Middle East and Africa delay getting tested due to stigma, lack of access, or the misconception that hearing loss is only a problem for the elderly. 'This is about dignity, connection, and health equity,' Dr. Eltom added. 'We must normalize hearing care as part of standard health routines—across every age group.' 'What you can do today to take charge of your hearing health is simple yet impactful. Patients can start by booking a hearing screening at their nearest clinic or hearing care center. Encourage older family members, friends, or colleagues to do the same, as early detection can make a significant difference. Better hearing leads to better living. And there's no better time to begin than now,' Bechara concluded. About Starkey Laboratories Inc. Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development, and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide. Learn more at and Media contact: Hadia Eltom, Marketing Manager | Starkey MEA FZCO Dubai Airport Freezone 4Wb - G44 | Dubai | United Arab Emirates
