Age-related hearing loss affects one in three people by the age of 65. However, surgical advances and technology are providing alternate ways of restoring hearing.
Hearing loss can be isolating, frustrating and embarrassing for those suffering it, and in severe cases it can threaten independence.
But for many, the gaps in communication caused by hearing loss have only worsened during the pandemic, isolating deaf communities around the world.
Without face-to-face communication, and with the introduction of face masks, deaf people have faced unprecedented challenges.