Everyone has different reasons for why they put off seeking help for hearing loss, from price issues and vanity concerns to preconceived and often outdated ideas of how hearing aids perform.

The good news is that today’s hearing aids — like all high-tech devices — have come a long way in terms of looks and performance. And independent research shows that hearing aid usage has a positive effect on.

• Earning power

• Communication in relationships

• Intimacy and warmth in family relationships

• Ease in communication

• Emotional stability

• Sense of control over life events

• Perception of mental functioning

• Physical health

Globally hearing loss affects about 10% of the population to some degree. It caused moderate to severe disability in 124 million people as of 2004 (108 million of whom are in low and middle income countries). Of these 65 million developed the condition during childhood. It is one of the most common medical conditions presenting to physicians. It is viewed by some in the deaf community as a condition, not an illness. Treatments such as cochlear implants have caused controversy in the deaf community.

The international symbol of deafness or hard of hearing