Arrows on a blackboard with the words facts and myths

How well do you know the facts about hearing loss?

We’ve observed that our patients are virtually always surprised to learn about hearing loss, about how universal it is and how it strikes all age groups. They’re also very surprised to learn how hearing loss can impede all areas of health.

As hearing professionals, that implies we have a great deal of work to do. Undoubtedly, the understanding of hearing loss does not match the truth, and we have to work to raise awareness.

To that end, we’ve collected ten facts that exhibit how serious and prevalent hearing loss is, but that most people are unaware of.

Here they are:

  1. 360 million people globally have hearing loss – as reported by the World Health Organization, over 5 percent of the world’s population (360 million) have disabling hearing loss.
  2. 48 million people in the US have hearing loss – that’s 20 percent of all Americans, or one out of every five, that report some degree of hearing loss.
  3. 1 in 5 teens has hearing losshearing loss in teens is growing with the increased use of earbuds, among other factors. Hearing loss does not discriminate by age.
  4. 65 percent of those with hearing loss are under age 65 – the idea that hearing loss only impacts older people is one of the most widespread and erroneous myths about hearing loss.
  5. 60 percent of veterans return home with hearing loss and tinnitus – hearing problems are the most commonly reported injury by veterans. Hearing loss is also one of the most widespread work-related injuries, affecting an estimated 22 million workers in the US.
  6. Hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline – several studies out of Johns Hopkins University have confirmed links between hearing loss and cognitive decline, diminished memory, and even a heightened risk of developing dementia.
  7. Hearing loss increases the risk of falling – a recent study reported that individuals with mild hearing loss were three times more likely to have a history of falling as compared to those with normal hearing. And the likelihood of falling increase as hearing loss becomes more severe.
  8. Hearing loss occurs in 90 percent of tinnitus cases – most cases of tinnitus are associated with hearing loss, which means both conditions can oftentimes be remedied with hearing aids.
  9. Hearing loss can impact earnings – In a survey conducted by the Better Hearing Institute, hearing loss was shown to negatively impact household income up to an average of $12,000 per year depending on the degree of hearing loss.
  10. 28.8 million US adults could benefit from hearing aids – despite the fact that hearing aids could help millions of Americans, fewer than one in three actually use them. This despite all of the technological advances.

Help us increase awareness about the facts of hearing loss by sharing this blog post. You might end up helping someone to improve their life with better hearing.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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We also accept all Avesis products for hearing services which include Molina Medicare Advantage - Health 2024 and Care N' Care Hearing 2024. We also accept all donations of used hearing aids!
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