The burden of hearing impairment and deafness falls disproportionately on the poor, because they are unable to afford the preventive and routine care necessary to avoid hearing loss, or to afford [devices] to make the condition manageable. Hearing impairment can also make it more difficult to escape poverty by slowing progress in school and the workplace, and placing people in social isolation….The cost of special education and lost employment due to hearing impairment can also impose a substantial economic burden on countries.”

– World Health Organization