Adult hearing loss is one of the most common long-term conditions in older people and is associated with an increased risk of complex health problems. This is why addressing hearing loss should be at the heart of all ageing well strategies.

The NCHA is campaigning for hearing loss to be recognised by the NHS as a long-term condition. This is important so that policymakers, commissioners, and statisticians include hearing loss in their strategic plans for supporting healthy and active ageing. 

More about hearing loss  

Hearing loss is one of the top three long-term conditions among older adults. About 12 million people have a hearing loss in the UK, and with an ageing population, this will increase to over 14 million within 10 years. About 95% of people with hearing loss are aged 40 and older.

Public health experts, the World Health Organization, NICE, and the NHS agree that hearing loss is a significant and growing public health issue. This is because unsupported hearing loss has a major impact on communication and increases the risk of:

• Social isolation and loneliness
• Depression
• Cognitive decline
• Dementia
• Other mental health issues.

Despite the scale, impact, and suffering hearing loss causes, it is too often overlooked or afforded low priority as a public health issue. The NCHA exists to change this and ensure we meet the challenge of the country's unmet hearing needs.

To learn more about our work, please email us at [email protected]

29 October 2021