It is estimated that there are approximately 11 million people in this country with a hearing loss which makes it the second most common disability in the UK.
However, as an invisible disability, it so often goes unnoticed, making it easier for those living with hearing loss to be ignored or forgotten.
*Fact and figures from Hearing Link
1 in 6 people in the UK are affected by some level of hearing loss
At least 4.4 million people with hearing loss are of working age.
The employment rate for those with hearing loss is 65%, compared to 79% of people with no long-term health issue or disability.
On average, people with hearing loss are paid £2,000 less per year than the general population; this amounts to £4 billion per year in lost income across the UK.
Recent estimates suggest that the UK economy loses £25 billion a year in lost productivity and unemployment due to hearing loss.
Research in 2014 on the experience of people with hearing loss and employment found that:
2 million people in the UK are hearing aid users, an additional 6 million could benefit from using one
These facts and figures are from the Hearing Link website which is a great source of information. Have a look at their website.