Cochlear Pledges Support to WHO Call for Action

Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, together with other members of the hearing awareness community today announced its public health pledge to support new action outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the increasing burden of hearing loss around the world.

Joining with advocacy organisations, professional and aid organisations, Cochlear is supporting the call for action on hearing loss following the release of new figures finding unaddressed hearing loss costs the global economy a staggering $750 billion dollars annually^1,2.

Dr Rich Toselli, Chief Medical Officer at Cochlear, welcomed the WHO 'Make a Sound Investment' campaign and encouraged people to get behind a public health response to hearing loss by adopting the WHO goals.

"The cost of addressing hearing loss is far less than the cost of not responding to the problem," said Dr Toselli. "These new figures from the WHO illustrate the significant economic and health impacts of hearing loss and the benefits to individuals and societies when prevention of hearing health is the focus and interventions are accessible to all patients who need them."

The WHO report warned that inaction on hearing loss comes at a high annual cost^1,2:

• $105 billion – the cost of loss of productivity due to unemployment and premature retirement
• $573 billion – the societal cost as a result of isolation, communication difficulties and stigma
• $3.9 billion – the cost of additional educational support to children with hearing loss aged 5 - 14 years

In addition, the WHO called for a number of cost-effective actions as a critical step for addressing the impact of global hearing loss, including¹:

• Preventing hearing loss by protecting against loud sounds and identifying and treating ear infections
• Identifying hearing loss early through screening of newborns, school children and adults over 50 years
• Providing rehabilitation together with support for continuous use of hearing aids
• Improving access to cochlear implants

Hearing loss is a major public health issue and its impact is set to increase. According to the WHO, there are 360 million people living with disabling hearing loss worldwide³ and this figure is set to increase significantly to 1.2 billion by 2050⁴.

In adulthood hearing loss is associated with greater unemployment, increased risk of poor health, depression and increased risk of other conditions including dementia⁵. Increasingly evidence is showing cochlear implantation for adults as an effective intervention for a much wider group of candidates than had previously been thought⁵.

About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)

Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. The company has a global workforce of 3,000 people and invests more than AUS$100 million a year in research and development. Products include hearing systems for cochlear, bone conduction and acoustic implants. Over 450,000 people of all ages, across more than 100 countries, now hear because of Cochlear.

About Cochlear Implants

The trade name for cochlear implants manufactured by Cochlear is the Cochlear™ Nucleus® series cochlear implants. The approved indications for the use of Cochlear Nucleus series cochlear implants is the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss. Please seek advice from your medical practitioner or health professional about treatments for hearing loss. They will be able to advise on a suitable solution for the hearing loss condition. All products should be used only as directed by your medical practitioner or health professional. Not all Cochlear products are available in all countries.