It should surprise no one in audiology that a new survey of why people take so long to address their hearing loss has found that lack of awareness is the main barrier.

But there is some grain in the study commissioned by the cochlear implant outfit MED-EL and carried out in January 2025 by Research Without Barriers in ten countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain. A total of 10,000 people were canvassed, their responses bringing key findings on what stops people dealing with hearing loss. The top three:

 

• Lack of Awareness: Over half of respondents (52%) are unaware of the importance of regular hearing health checks, making it the top reason for delayed treatment. This underscores a significant gap in education about hearing loss and available solutions. 

 

• Gradual Loss Goes Unnoticed: 43% report difficulty recognizing the gradual impact of hearing loss.

 

• Financial Barriers: 42% of participants cite concerns over the cost of hearing treatments and devices as a significant obstacle to timely intervention.

 

In lower percentages down the list of reasons for delaying addressing hearing loss are social perceptions of ageing – 37% believe hearing loss is simply a normal part of aging, while 33% think it can be managed without professional intervention; access and availability of services – 31% of people state that the lack of regular hearing tests contributes to delays in addressing hearing loss, while 27% highlight limited access to specialist hearing professionals; and the familiar nemesis, social stigma – roughly one in four (26%) say stigma around hearing loss and hearing devices prevents them from addressing the issue.

 

Changing Perceptions with Age

 

The study shows how views on hearing loss shift with age. Older adults struggle more to notice gradual hearing loss (48% of those 55+ vs. 36% of 18-24-year-olds), while concerns about cost increase with age (47% of 55+ vs. 39% of younger participants). Interestingly, younger adults cite greater difficulty accessing specialists, with 32% of 25-34-year-olds and 30% of 18-24-year-olds noting this as an issue, compared to 25% of older adults.

 

Gender Differences – women worry more than men about cost

 

While most barriers are consistent across genders, women express greater worry about treatment costs (46% vs. 39% of men) and are more likely to see hearing loss as part of aging (39% vs. 36%).

 

Regional Insights – Brazil and Romania have big hearing health awareness problem

 

Regional disparities reveal where intervention is most needed. Awareness gaps are most pronounced in Romania (66%) and Brazil (77%), highlighting the need for educational campaigns about hearing loss and hearing health. Financial concerns are particularly high in Brazil, France, and Italy (47% each), whereas countries like Slovakia (38%) and Hungary (37%) report fewer cost-related issues. Access to specialists is a major challenge in Brazil (44%) and Slovakia (35%), while Austria stands out for having the lowest access concerns (18%) due to its robust healthcare system.

 

The cost of delaying action on hearing loss

 

Strained relationships, reduced job opportunities, social isolation, health challenges such as cognitive decline, and increased risk of depression are all highlighted by MED-EL’s global research as prices to pay for delaying some ten years before addressing a hearing difficulty. But  MED-EL’s Corporate Director of Awareness and Public Affairs, Dr. Patrick D’Haese, explaines that while barriers are real “they are not unsurmountable”.

“Many people mistakenly believe hearing loss is just a normal part of ageing or something they can manage on their own. Others do not realise how deeply untreated hearing loss can affect their relationships, careers, and quality of life. Waiting not only worsens the condition – it robs people of valuable years where intervention could make a profound difference.” Dr. D’Haese points out. This specialist also emphasises the need for urgent action. Raising awareness about regular hearing checks, improving access to specialists, addressing stigma, and increasing awareness of available healthcare provisions are critical for breaking these barriers.

“In many countries, treatments such as hearing aids and implants are either fully or partially funded by healthcare systems, yet people may not realise these options are readily available to them,” D’Haese highlights. “Early intervention is not just about prevention – it transforms lives by keeping people connected, safeguarding mental well-being, and significantly enhancing quality of life.”

MED-EL, which is calling for improved access to hearing healthcare worldwide, offers free online hearing tests to assess potential hearing loss.

Source: MED-EL