How many times a day do you say to someone, “Can you repeat that?” If it’s more times than you care to admit, chances are you suffer from some hearing loss- but welcome to the club. Estimates are that 45 million Americans currently are troubled by hearing loss, more than the number of people who have cancer or diabetes. Yet, only ⅕ of those who could benefit from a hearing aid or other assisted device seek out help. So what gives?

A recent article from the website Undark digs deep into this quandary and also raises hope that with a newly rising generation of folks who are used to having devices in their ears, and a burgeoning population of people who could benefit from better hearing, the research and tech worlds are poised to deliver better and cheaper devices for those who need help. While there are celebrities and public figures who have been open about their hearing loss, many people continue to feel stigma or shame in admitting to hearing loss or wearing hearing aids. The Undark post has some interesting anecdotes of recent US Presidents who embraced hearing aids (Reagan) or have found their use stigmatizing (Clinton). But the article posits that newly aging adults simply won’t tolerate a loss of hearing and will demand technologically advanced assistance.

New research is also beginning to yield some possible paths toward restoring hearing in those who have lost it. A recent study from Kings College London and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute reported a discovery in mice of 38 new genes they believe are involved in hearing loss. The researchers believe these newly discovered genes are likely linked to human age-related hearing loss and thus may help in the discovery of new drugs. So turn up the volume and read more about this study here.

Finally, one more possible new way to help protect your hearing from damage or age-related loss: eat chocolate! A new study out of  South Korea recently reported that chocolate plays an otoprotective role against hearing loss in middle-aged people. The study found that for people ages 40-64, those who ate chocolate had a significantly lower rate of hearing loss than those who did not. Given the other health benefits of chocolate, it seems like a win-win situation for chocolate lovers who want to engage in healthy aging habits. So rip open that wrapper and read more about this study here.