Hearing aid stigma delays treatment for many in Spain

According to the EuroTrak España 2023 study, social stigma remains a significant barrier to treating hearing loss in Spain, where 10.6% of the population reports hearing difficulties. Nearly half of those who need hearing aids but do not use them cite embarrassment or hesitation as the primary reason, while 22% avoid publicly admitting to hearing struggles.

Research indicates that hearing aids provide benefits beyond communication, including reduced risk of depression, lower cognitive fatigue, and improved sleep quality. Among current users, 96% report that the devices improve their daily lives, and 87% state they function better than expected, increasing their confidence and safety when moving around.

Despite these benefits, 67% of users expressed that they should have started using hearing aids sooner. Efforts to normalize the technology are being supported by organizations like MO GLOBAL, which offers specialized counseling and free check-ups to combat the social prejudices associated with aging and loss of autonomy.