Hearing harm is the world’s hidden health crisis. It’s not just older people or construction workers who are affected – we’re all at risk. Increasingly, employers will need to address the impact of hearing challenges on both their staff and their profits.
Taking a holistic approach to auditory wellbeing in the workplace improves health, productivity and morale
By 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people are forecast to have at least mild hearing loss. Alongside an ageing population, the noisy assault of modern life is a key driver. Our ears haven’t changed – but the world around us has.
So why should employers care? And what can they do?
The real cost of hearing loss
If you can’t hear properly, you can’t communicate properly – but the effects run deeper. Unaddressed hearing loss causes isolation, stress, cognitive decline and a higher risk of dementia.
For employers, this means reduced productivity, more absenteeism and rising healthcare costs. Yet many employees won’t raise the issue, due to stigma or because hearing loss often develops too gradually to notice.
Not just an issue for older workers
While half of over-50s experience hearing loss, 15% of any workforce – regardless of age – struggles with tinnitus and 20% need regular ear cleaning. Many younger employees have never had a proper hearing test – only a brief GP check, rather than a full assessment by a specialist.
A professional test can uncover issues a GP may miss. Microsuction ear wax removal and tinnitus support can resolve many problems – and early intervention helps prevent long-term hearing loss.
Why hearing care is overlooked
We prioritise eyesight and dental care – but not hearing.
Laurence Coen, co-founder of Hearology®, a CQC-registered hearing and ear care specialist with clinics in the City of London, says: “There’s still an unjustified stigma around hearing issues, which is why only 10% of people with hearing loss do anything about it. Yet you wouldn’t dream of ignoring failing eyesight.”
Changing this culture starts with recognising hearing health as essential to staff wellbeing. The impact of poor workplace acoustics
Individual hearing care is only half the story. A holistic approach is essential.
Studies show the impact of poor acoustics on productivity. The World Green Building Council reports background noise can reduce output by up to 66%. A UK study found three in ten employees regularly lose focus due to workplace noise.
Practical steps employers can take
Coen recommends a two-pronged approach: hearing health checks and acoustic improvements.
“From a hearing health perspective, there’s a lot you can do on site,” he says. “More complex cases may need follow up in a specialist clinic, but what matters is that on-site screenings are carried out by clinicians who know what to look for.”
Workplace acoustics are important, too. “Improving them is a meaningful step,” says Coen, “especially in workspaces where poor noise management affects concentration or confidentiality.”
Prioritising hearing health not only has many practical benefits for an employer, but it also shows employees they are valued and helps to future-proof their wellbeing beyond the workplace.
You can meet Laurence Coen, co-founder of Hearology® in person as he’ll be exhibiting at The Watercooler Event, which takes place on 7th and 8th May 2025 at ExCel in London. It’s Europe’s leading trade show, with free-to-attend content, dedicated to creating workplaces that empower both people and business to thrive.
You can find out more and register to attend here.
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