Why?

There’s the stigma associated with hearing loss as “an old person’s disease”, and the inclination to put up with hearing loss until it’s in very advanced stages, according to the group.

EPIC says it’s hard to imagine people with poor vision going to work every day without their glasses or contact lenses, but millions work every day with significantly reduced hearing, creating potential safety risks.

Employers need to treat hearing as an asset to be protected by conducting hearing tests, using hearing protection technology, and promoting hearing education and awareness, says EPIC.