by Terry Mactaggart, President and CEO, Summus Hearing Inc.
Terry Mactaggart
My last post (Introducing Merlin – Making Hearing Care Accessible to All) summarized our view of the hearing health conundrum and what we at Summus Hearing (in concert with others) can do about it.
While testing abounds online and via hearing aid dispenser/ENT networks, a significant majority of people don’t take advantage of it, and those few who do often delay taking the remedial actions that may be warranted. Thus, we have what in my view is the largest untreated chronic health problem in our society.
Our corporate contribution towards confronting this predicament will be to extend the intelligent software hearing health guidance process we have developed and applied in several settings. That experience has provided insight about how various age/gender cohorts classify as well as real-world experience about the receptiveness (or resistance) of most obvious providers to facilitate hearing knowledge and health.
Our introduction of Merlin with its ability to follow up by messaging individuals effectively—considering age, overall health, personal preferences, plus work and lifestyle considerations—will contribute to a solution. But making a real difference, however, will require several other players to enter the game or step up their participation as well as campaigns to substantially increase community engagement.
The obvious question is not “Why” (covered by this post) but “Who” and “How” (which will be addressed in the posts that follow).
Why Hearing Health Matters
The argument for “Why” to be concerned is relatively straightforward to summarize. A rationale for why everyone should test their hearing could be…
Hearing Loss is “The Silent Epidemic” – It’s often called the “invisible disability.” It creeps in quietly, affects people of all ages, and yet remains one of the most underdiagnosed health issues worldwide. While many associate hearing loss with aging, the truth is far more nuanced. From toddlers to teenagers, working adults to retirees, hearing health matters at every stage of life.
- For Children and Adolescents: Early detection can have a lifelong impact…
- Language development hinges on hearing. Undiagnosed hearing issues in children can delay speech, reading, and social skills. A sizable portion of “Special Ed” kids are compromised because of undetected/untreated otitis media at an early age.
- School performance often suffers when a child struggles to hear instructions or participate in class discussions.
- Teenagers exposed to loud music or gaming headsets are increasingly at risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
- Regular hearing screenings in schools and pediatric checkups can catch problems early, setting kids up for success.
- With Adults: It’s the hidden productivity killer…
- Workplace communication depends on clear hearing. Misunderstandings can lead to errors, missed opportunities, and stress.
- Mental health is closely linked to hearing. Untreated hearing loss contributes to isolation, anxiety, and even depression.
- Safety risks increase when adults can’t hear alarms, sirens, or warnings—especially in high-risk jobs or urban environments.
- Despite these risks, many adults delay hearing tests for years, often until the problem becomes severe. Routine checkups could change that.
- For Seniors: It’s more than just hearing aids…
- Cognitive decline is accelerated by untreated hearing loss. Studies show a strong link between hearing impairment and dementia.
- Social isolation is common among older adults who struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments.
- Quality of life improves dramatically with hearing support—whether through hearing aids, assistive devices, or therapy.
- Encouraging older adults to test their hearing isn’t just about technology—it’s about dignity, connection, and independence.
Taking Action
How many times have many of us argued that hearing tests need to be normalized like eye exams or dental checkups? There’s more community-wide action called for via public awareness campaigns that target all age groups, providing accessible testing options in schools, workplaces, and community centers as well as destigmatizing hearing aids and assistive tech through education and design.
Incenting a variety of existing healthcare providers is also of prime importance. The “Who” and “How” of this priority will be outlined in subsequent posts.
Whether you’re 9 or 90, hearing well means living well. Let’s together make hearing health a priority—for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
About the Author
Terry Mactaggart, MBA, is the president and CEO of Summus Hearing. He can be contacted at [email protected] or visit https://summushearing.com
