Hearing Loss and Its Effects If you or a loved one have some degree of hearing loss, you are not alone. Hearing loss affects people of all ages. Globally, over 588 million people have at least a mild hearing loss and 278 million have a moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears.1,2 A person with an untreated hearing loss risks deteriorating his or her hearing health. Untreated hearing loss does not only result in increased hearing diffi culties over time, it also leads to negative social and personal behavior as communication with others is impaired and self-esteem is affected. A person with untreated hearing loss faces higher safety risks and possibly lower employability. Hearing loss does not just affect the person; it affects family and friends as well. Hearing loss can be treated with hearing instruments. You may think that wearing hearing instruments would make you look odd. However, hearing loss left untreated may cause others to notice slower responses, consta...