WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Some 27 million Americans will suffer from untreated hearing loss this year, a U.S. hearing care company estimates.
"Even mild hearing loss, left untreated, can impair communication and negatively impact social and family relationships, job performance and health and safety," Stephen Hansbrough, chief executive officer of HearUSA, says in a statement.
Studies show that untreated hearing loss has been linked to depression, loneliness, reduced alertness, stress and can put personal safety and overall health at risk, Hansbrough says.
Hansbrough says hearing aids are used by only 25 percent of the 36 million Americans with hearing loss.
Barriers to having hearing loss treated include, cost, stigma, unfamiliarity with today's new technology and lack of trust and confidence in an often-confusing hearing aid marketplace, Hansbrough suggests.
"Acceptance of hearing care as a medical necessity would enable millions suffering from untreated hearing loss to receive hearing aids and support services from qualified, credentialed providers," Hansbrough adds.
