“Hearing connects us to our families, our work, our communities and our culture. Protect it,” says audiologist ahead of World Hearing Day
Approximately 12 million South Africans are estimated to have some degree of hearing loss, equating to about 20% of total population. Of these, about 5 million have a hearing disability, which means that their hearing loss significantly affects daily communication.
“If you suspect you have hearing loss, even mild hearing loss, take that first step and book a hearing assessment. It is far more common than people realise, and it is manageable,” says Hawa Bibi Mahomed, qualified audiologist and corporate trainer at Oticon, a global hearing healthcare brand, part of one of the world’s largest hearing aid and diagnostic audiology companies, Demant.
World Hearing Day on the 3 March is an annual global advocacy initiative to raise awareness about hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care. With this year’s theme being hearing care for all children, the campaign comes with an important call‑to‑action: “Act now so no child is left behind due to ear or hearing problems.”
Mahomed says that audiologists are seeing a concerning rise in hearing difficulties among younger adults and even children. In children, untreated middle ear infections, limited access to early screening in some communities, and late diagnosis can contribute to long-term hearing challenges. “Early intervention is critical because hearing plays a central role in speech, language, learning and social development,” she says. “The sooner we intervene, the better the long-term outcomes , both academically and socially”.
One of the biggest reasons for increased rates of hearing loss in younger adults is due to noise exposure. Prolonged use of earphones at high volumes, frequent attendance at loud events and occupational noise exposure all plays a role.
“In adults, early treatment prevents the brain from ‘forgetting’ how to process certain sounds,” says Mahomed.
Referred to as auditory deprivation, this condition occurs when the brain does not receive sufficient sound stimulation. Over time, the areas of the brain that would normally process sound can begin to reorganise, sometimes becoming responsive to other types of sensory input instead.
Over time, this can weaken the brain’s ability to interpret speech and sound and can lead to far-reaching consequences for a person’s hearing and overall cognitive health.
While the long-term effects of untreated hearing loss in both children and adults are well documented, and modern hearing aids and technology have advanced significantly over the past decade, stigma around hearing loss and the need for hearing aids still persists.
“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it is an investment in your health, your relationships and your future,” says Mahomed. In her experience, many people delay seeking help because they associate hearing loss with ageing, weakness, or disability. “There’s still a perception that hearing aids are for old people, and that stigma prevents individuals, especially middle-aged adults, from acknowledging the problem”.
Another common reason is denial. Hearing loss is often gradual, and people can adapt without realising how much they are missing. “Untreated hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal, communication breakdown in relationships, reduced workplace performance and even emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression,” she says.
Fortunately, hearing technology today has transformed dramatically. Modern devices are discreet, lightweight and often nearly invisible. Beyond size, they offer features that include Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, background noise management and even AI-driven sound adjustments. This means patients can stream phone calls directly to their hearing aids, adjust settings via smartphone apps, and move seamlessly between different listening environments.
“These advancements not only improve sound clarity, but they also restore independence and confidence. When devices are comfortable, stylish and technologically advanced, they begin to resemble smart wearable tech rather than medical devices. That shift plays a powerful role in breaking down stigma. Hearing aids today are about empowerment, not limitation,” Mahomed says.
This World Hearing Day, Mahomed’s message is simple: Don’t wait. “The sooner you address hearing loss, the better your outcomes will be”.
South Africans can have their hearing checked by a qualified audiologist, at a local clinic or hospital, or by speaking to their general practitioner for a referral.
“Hearing connects us to our families, our work, our communities, and our culture. Protect it. Prioritise it. And if you’re unsure, get it checked,” Mahomed says.
For more information, go to https://www.oticon.co.za/hearing-loss.