Hearing Loss Facts Hearing loss is a very common problem. More
than 500 million people worldwide experience some degree of
hearing loss. As noise levels increase everywhere, the number
continues to rise. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise at
work and at home is resulting in hearing loss becoming more
common at an earlier age. Our ability to hear affects how we
communicate and connect with others. For this reason, social and
emotional effects often accompany symptoms of hearing loss. In
this section, you can learn more about the causes, types and
signs of hearing loss, treatment options, and where you can go
for help. Most people who use hearing aids have improved social
lives. The use of hearing aids is associated with reductions in
anger, frustration, paranoia, anxiety and overall improvements
in emotional stability.