The cost of age related hearing loss: to treat or not to treat?

ABSTRACTAge-related hearing loss (ARHL) is acknowledged as a public health challenge due to its increasing prevalence and associated negative health consequences. ARHL often goes unidentified and untreated because of a number of variables including stigma, affordability and accessibility issues. A recognized modifiable risk factor for senile dementia, falls, and social/emotional loneliness, earlier identification is key to optimizing speech understanding, communicative effectiveness, social engagement and healthy aging. Helping older adults with ARHL manage how to best communicate in less than optimal listening environments such as healthcare settings and during leisure activities, and encouraging earlier referrals of older adults who perceive hearing difficulties, can help to address this rising public health challenge.