For individuals with hearing impairment, the social and economic burden of care can be heavy on their families, friends and communities. For children, hearing impairment can delay the development of language and cognitive skills, which can hinder progress in school. And for adults, hearing impairment often makes it difficult to obtain and keep jobs. Children and adults with hearing impairment are often socially stigmatized and isolated.
According to the World Health Organization, the poor often suffer more from hearing impairment due to a lack of access to ear and hearing care services, suitable hearing aids, and affordable preventative and routine care.
For communities and countries, providing special education and lost employment due to hearing impairment can pose a high cost and burden the economy.