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10/09/2015  |   1:45 PM - 3:00 PM   |  Andrew Foster Auditorium

The societal and economic impact of treated hearing loss is – good!

Based on findings from EuroTrak and MT9 surveys from 2015, the presenter will offer the view that YES, hearing aids are efficient for the treatment of hearing loss, but there is so much MORE to be observed.: Up to 96% of those surveyed declare that hearing aids have improved their quality of life. Around 90% find their hearing aids useful on the job, which means people work longer and more efficiently. Users say that hearing aids are good for promotions, for getting the right job and the right salary. Hearing aid users are less depressed than people with similar hearing loss – and also less “forgetful”. Hearing aid users are less exhausted at the end of the day, both physically and mentally, resulting in fewer burn-outs, and they have better sleep quality. Hearing aids contribute to better communication, better social life, better group activities, and they give the users a sense of independence and safety. Finally, and interestingly, 87% of hearing aid owners think people don’t make fun of them because of their hearing aids. It is much more likely that somebody makes fun of hearing impaired non-users. Too often, governments and health insurance companies focus on the “cost” of treating hearing loss. Recent reports from the UK (2014) have documented that this is a short-term view, and that in fact the “cost” of a hearing aid is a great investment. For the individual as well as for society. What is truly expensive is the cost of doing nothing.

• 1. Regarding the individual person: Getting an understanding of the large, overall potential contribution of hearing aids – not just to correct for hearing loss
• 2. Regarding society: See the great economic potential in efficient hearing healthcare.

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Soren Hougaard (Primary Presenter), European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA), sh@ehima.com;
Has worked in the hearing aid industry since 1984. International marketing manager for Widex (1984 - 2002), country manager for Phonak Denmark (2002 - 2009) and finally as secretary general for EHIMA (2009 - present). Parallel with my jobs in the industry, I have served as a voluntary counselor in House of Hearing for over 20 years, helping people who have got lost in the hearing jungle