UK Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids Statistics 2024

 UK Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids Statistics for 2024

Overview of UK Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids Statistics

Hearing loss affects many in the UK

Hearing loss affects approximately 18 million people in the UK, with higher prevalence among older adults, over 50% of the population over 50 and 80% over 70 experience hearing impairment. This condition significantly impacts quality of life, as 62% report feelings of isolation and 87% feel it affects their daily lives.

Hearing loss is classified as conductive, sensorineural, or mixed, yet only around 2 million people use hearing aids due to stigma, lack of awareness, and perceptions of ineffectiveness. Nonetheless, 90% of users report improved hearing and quality of life wearing hearing devices. 

The NHS spends over £1 billion annually on hearing loss services, while untreated hearing loss costs the UK economy about £30 billion due to lost productivity.  Awareness campaigns and regular assessments for those over 55 are essential for early detection and management.

Overview of hearing loss in the UK

• Prevalence:  Approximately 18 million people in the UK are affected by hearing loss, equating to more than a quarter of the population. (Source: RNID)
• Age factor:  Hearing loss becomes more common with age:

a)  Over 50% of the population aged 50+ have hearing loss. 

b)  80% of people over the age of 70 experience some degree of hearing loss. (Source: Action on Hearing Loss)

• Impact on quality of life: 

a)  62% of those with hearing loss report feelings of isolation.

b)  87% of those with hearing loss feel that it affects their daily lives. (Source: RNID)

Why has the number of people with hearing loss jumped in the UK from 12 million to 18?

Back in June 2024, RNID wrote an article explaining the change in this calculation.  Firstly, it now uses population data from the 2021-22 census instead of the 2011 census, which informed the previous estimate of 12 million people. Secondly, it includes those with milder levels of hearing loss and those with hearing loss in one ear, who were previously excluded.

By incorporating anyone with any degree of hearing loss, whether in one ear or both, it is now accurately reflecting the true total of adults affected by hearing loss in the UK.

Types of hearing loss

• Conductive hearing loss:  Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear, often treatable.
• Sensorineural hearing loss: Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, usually permanent.
• Mixed hearing loss: Mixed hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Hearing aids usage

• Current hearing aid wearers:  Approximately 2 million people in the UK use hearing aids, despite the significant number of those with hearing loss. (Source: Action on Hearing Loss)
• Barriers to usage:

a)  Stigma associated with wearing hearing aids.

b)  Lack of awareness about available options.

c)  Perception that hearing aids are ineffective or too expensive. (Source: RNID)

• Effectiveness:

a)  90% of hearing aid users report improvements in hearing ability and overall quality of life. (Source: NICE)

The economic impact of hearing loss

• Healthcare costs:  The NHS spends over £1 billion annually on hearing loss-related healthcare services. (Source: NHS)
• Workforce impact:  Untreated hearing loss costs the UK economy approximately £30 billion each year due to lost productivity. (Source: Action on Hearing Loss)

Technological advancements in hearing aids

• Modern hearing aids:  Features include Bluetooth connectivity, noise cancellation, and AI-driven adaptive technology.
• User satisfaction: Over 85% of hearing aid users express satisfaction with their devices, particularly with recent advancements. (Source: RNID)

Hearing loss awareness and education

• Awareness campaigns: Initiatives are important for increasing awareness of hearing loss and encouraging regular hearing checks, especially among older adults.
• Screening recommendations: NICE recommends regular hearing assessments for those over 55 and anyone experiencing symptoms of hearing loss. (Source: NICE)

Key organisations and resources for hearing loss and hearing aids

• NHS (National Health Service):  Provides comprehensive health information and services.  Website - https://www.nhs.uk/
• Action on Hearing Loss:  A leading charity focused on supporting those with hearing loss and promoting research.  Website - https://actionhearingloss.org.uk/
• Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID): Offers support and information for those affected by hearing loss and tinnitus.  Website - https://rnid.org.uk/
• Office for National Statistics (ONS):  Publishes data and reports related to health, including hearing loss. Plus, any grants you might be entitled to.  Website - https://ONS.gov.uk
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): Provides guidelines and recommendations regarding hearing health.  Website - https://www.nice.org.uk/