The Audiologist Informer

The highest prevalences of hearing loss were reported among five occupation groups: installation, maintenance, and repair (4.2%); construction and extraction (3.8%); production (3.5%); protective services (3.5%); and farming, fishing, and forestry (3.5%).

The researchers found that OTC hearing aid provision was associated with increased overall population health in a cost-effective manner; however, they say cost-effectiveness of OTC hearing aids will likely depend on their increased uptake, utility benefit, and device cost.

While hearing loss has been associated with increased risk for numerous health comorbidities, findings from a research team at Johns Hopkins indicated the link between hearing loss and chronic stress response might be less than that of other health conditions.

Intel has initiated several projects aimed at increasing access to hearing aids and assistive devices, including 3D printing of earmolds in developing countries, connecting hearing aids with computers, and creating new technology that recognizes critical sounds (e.g., a door knock) then gives alerts on the computer screen.