How thoroughly do you know the facts about hearing loss?
We’ve discovered that our patients are virtually always amazed to learn about hearing loss, about how prevalent it is and how it impacts all age groups. They’re also quite surprised to learn how hearing loss can have an affect on all areas of health.
As hearing professionals, that implies we have a lot of work to do. Undoubtedly, the perception of hearing loss does not match the reality, and we have to work to raise awareness.
To that end, we’ve collected ten facts that illustrate how serious and prevalent hearing loss is, but that the majority of people are unaware of.
Here they are:
- 360 million people worldwide have hearing loss – according to the World Health Organization, more than 5 percent of the world’s population (360 million) have disabling hearing loss.
- 48 million people in the United States have hearing loss – that’s 20 percent of all Americans, or one out of every five, that claim some extent of hearing loss.
- 1 in 5 teens has hearing loss – hearing loss in teens is increasing with the increased use of earbuds, among other factors. Hearing loss does not discriminate by age.
- 65 percent of those with hearing loss are under age 65 – the belief that hearing loss only impacts older people is one of the most prevalent and erroneous misconceptions about hearing loss.
- 60 percent of veterans return home with hearing loss and tinnitus – hearing problems are the most frequently reported injury by veterans. Hearing loss is also one of the most widespread occupational injuries, affecting an estimated 22 million workers in the US.
- 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 higher risk of developing dementia.
- Hearing loss increases the risk of falling – a recent study revealed that people with mild hearing loss were three times more likely to have a history of falling as compared to those with normal hearing. And the chances of falling increase as hearing loss becomes more significant.
- Hearing loss occurs in 90 percent of tinnitus cases – most cases of tinnitus are accompanied by hearing loss, which means both ailments can potentially be treated with hearing aids.
- Hearing loss can impact income – In a survey conducted by the Better Hearing Institute, hearing loss was shown to adversely impact household income up to an average of $12,000 per year depending on the amount of hearing loss.
- 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 even with all of the technological improvements.
Help us increase awareness about the facts of hearing loss by sharing this article. You may end up helping someone to improve their life with better hearing.
