How thoroughly do you know the facts about hearing loss?
We’ve found that our patients are nearly always amazed to learn about hearing loss, about how universal it is and how it impacts all age groups. They’re also very surprised to learn how hearing loss can impact all aspects of health.
As hearing professionals, that implies we have a lot of work to do. Obviously, the perception of hearing loss does not match the truth, and we have to work to raise awareness.
To that end, we’ve organized ten facts that show how serious and commonplace hearing loss is, but that most people are not aware 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 describe some extent of hearing loss.
- 1 in 5 teenagers 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 individuals with hearing loss are under age 65 – the idea that hearing loss only impacts old people is one of the most popular and erroneous myths about hearing loss.
- 60 percent of veterans return home with hearing loss and tinnitus – hearing problems are the most commonly documented injury by veterans. Hearing loss is also one of the most prevalent work-related injuries, affecting an estimated 22 million workers in the US.
- Hearing loss can result in 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 raises the risk of falls – a recent study revealed that people with mild hearing loss were three times more likely to have a history of falling compared to those with normal hearing. And the likelihood 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 conditions can oftentimes be managed with hearing aids.
- Hearing loss can impact earnings – In a survey conducted by the Better Hearing Institute, hearing loss was found to negatively 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 – in spite of 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 blog post. You could end up encouraging someone to enhance their life with better hearing.
