According to a survey by KANTAR TNS, not only has the perception of hearing aids changed among people of all ages, but they also feel much better informed about topics such as hearing loss and related services

For those surveyed, modern hearing aids are clearly discreet (80%), comfortable (75%), flexible (78%), and high-tech devices (81%) that improve quality of life (87%). This perception increases with age. While 59 percent of 14- to 29-year-olds view hearing aids as high-tech devices, that figure rises to 93 percent among those over 60. Similar increases are seen for the other characteristics surveyed. Older people, in particular, appreciate the innovative features of modern hearing aids and are more familiar with the options available for hearing care.

But whether you’re young or old, if the worst should happen, it’s important to be aware of the options available to address hearing loss. Awareness of these options has increased significantly in recent years. While 10 percent of Germans felt well or very well informed in 2014, that figure rose to 24 percent three years later. These findings came from a survey by KANTAR TNS.

Half of those over 50 rely primarily on an ENT specialist for information. The hearing aid specialistis the preferred source for 33 percent of those aged 50 to 59 and 42 percent of those over 60. Somewhat surprisingly, most young people also turn to these experts. Those aged 14 to 29 primarily consult an ENT specialist (38%) and a hearing aid specialist (30%), but they rely more heavily than the older generation on the Internet (10%) and on family, friends, or acquaintances (10%).

This topic is too important to ignore. Whether it’s your grandparents, friends, or coworkers—only those who educate themselves about hearing can recognize the symptoms of hearing loss or hearing impairment. What are the possible causes of hearing loss, and what options are available for protection and prevention? Knowing the right answers to these questions is essential for maintaining healthy hearingand an optimal hearing experience well into old age.

If you often find yourself having to ask people to repeat themselves, or if you have trouble understanding what others are saying—even when you’re concentrating hard—in noisy environments, then check your hearing with a simpleonline hearing test. If needed, you can also use our search function to find a hearing care professionalor ENT specialist near you.