MED-EL research reveals the sounds people treasure most, highlighting the emotional impact of untreated hearing loss

July 18, 2024 – (Innsbruck, Austria): On World Listening Day (July 18), leading hearing implant manufacturer MED-EL shares the results of a global survey exploring the sounds that hold the deepest meaning in people's lives. The findings reveal that in countries around the world, the voices of loved ones would be missed the most.

• The top beloved sounds globally include hearing the voices of family and children, which highlights the universal significance of social connections
• The emotional effects of hearing loss often outweigh its physical effects, underscoring the importance of greater support and awareness
• Regular hearing screenings are crucial to help maintain a connection to people and the natural world 

The global survey posed a poignant question: "What are the sounds you would miss the most if you could no longer hear?" The top ten responses not only shed light on the sounds individuals hold dear, but also emphasize the emotional significance of untreated hearing loss:

• Leading the survey, nearly two-thirds of respondents worldwide (64%) mentioned they would miss the voices of their family members or partners the most, reflecting profound emotional connections to others.
• Nearly half of participants (45%) highlighted the importance of radio or music, indicating that the melodies and rhythms of the radio would be greatly missed. A further 11% would miss the experience of live concerts, highlighting the importance of these music in their lives.
• One in four respondents (25%) emphasized that the absence of laughter would be profoundly felt, showcasing its role in bringing joy and connection to our lives. 
• Similarly, another 25% pointed out that they would miss the sounds of children's voices, underlining the importance of familial bonds. 
• One in five respondents (20%) mentioned they would miss the sounds from their television, highlighting its role in daily life for entertainment and information.
• For those connected with nature, 18% would miss birds chirping, 17% the sound of rain, and 15% the soothing waves. Additionally, 12% would miss hearing their pets’ sounds.
• Gender disparity: While both genders highly value the voices of their loved ones, 66% of females expressed missing these voices compared to 62% of males. Females also prefer children's voices (26% vs. 24%) and pets' sounds (14% vs. 9%).
• Age group differences: In the 45-54 and 55+ age groups, 65% and 66% would miss family voices. The 35-44 age group values children's voices the most (30%). TV is missed more by older respondents, peaking at 30% in the 55+ group, compared to 16% in younger groups. The love for birds chirping also increases with age, reaching 27% in the 55+ group versus 11% in the 18-24 group.
• Most missed sounds by region: In the global survey, 74% of Kenyans long for family voices, compared to 54% of Germans and 56% of Italians. Laughter is highly valued by 38% of Slovaks and 35% of Austrians, but only 16% of Colombians. Children's voices are preferred by 42% of Kenyans, but only 16% in Spain and Italy. A quarter of Colombians favour birds chirping, while only 11% of Italians do. TV sounds are preferred by 25% of Italians, but only 17% of Austrians and 15% of Argentinians. Lastly, 24% of Argentinians miss rain sounds, compared to 10% of Austrians and Germans.

More than just sounds

These findings not only underscore the profound emotional impact of sound but also shed light on the broader implications of hearing loss, as Dr Patrick D’Haese, Director of Awareness & Public Affairs at MED-EL, emphasizes. “This survey serves as a reminder that it is more than just sounds that we hear; it is the experiences and emotions they evoke that are integral to our lives. The sounds we cherish most are intrinsically tied to our relationships and the emotional bonds we share. Losing the ability to hear can have a profound impact on forming and maintaining social connections as well as overall mental health and well-being. This also highlights the need for greater awareness about the signs of hearing loss as well as the support available for those impacted by it." 

Prioritizing hearing health

In addition to being aware of the emotional impact, regular hearing screenings are crucial for protecting overall well-being. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 5% of the world's population – 430 million people – require support for disabling hearing loss. By 2050, an estimated 700 million people, or 1 in every 10 individuals, are projected to have disabling hearing loss.

MED-EL encourages individuals to prioritize their hearing health by taking advantage of their quick and simple online hearing tests. These tests provide valuable insights into potential hearing loss in everyday situations and can prompt people to seek professional evaluation if necessary. For more information about hearing and the importance of regular screenings, visit the MED-EL website, where free online hearing tests are available. 

*The online research was carried out in December 2023 and January 2024 by Research Without Barriers in nine countries: Argentina, Austria, Colombia, Germany, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Slovakia, and Spain.

About MED-EL 

MED-EL Medical Electronics, a leader in implantable hearing solutions, is driven by a mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life. The Austrian-based, privately owned business was co-founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose ground-breaking research led to the development of the world’s first micro-electronic multi-channel cochlear implant (CI), which was successfully implanted in 1977 and was the basis for what is known as the modern CI today. This laid the foundation for the successful growth of the company in 1990, when they hired their first employees. To date, MED-EL has more than 2,800 employees from around 80 nations and 30 locations worldwide.
The company offers the widest range of implantable and non-implantable solutions to treat all types of hearing loss, enabling people in 137 countries enjoy the gift of hearing with the help of a MED-EL device. MED-EL’s hearing solutions include cochlear and middle ear implant systems, a combined electric acoustic stimulation hearing implant system, auditory brainstem implants as well as surgical and non-surgical bone conduction devices. www.medel.com   

CEO

Doz. DI Dr DDr med. h.c. Ingeborg Hochmair

Press Contact

PR & Corporate Communications
MED-EL Medical Electronics
Fürstenweg 77a
6020 Innsbruck
Austria
T: +43 5 7788
E: [email protected]