How thoroughly do you know the facts about hearing loss?
We’ve found that our patients are almost always amazed to learn about hearing loss, about how universal it is and how it affects all age groups. They’re also very surprised to learn how hearing loss can influence all areas of health.
As hearing professionals, that means we have a lot of work to do. Certainly, the perception of hearing loss does not match the truth, and we have to work to raise awareness.
To that end, we’ve gathered ten facts that illustrate how serious and prevalent hearing loss is, but that most people are unaware of.
Here they are:
- 360 million people worldwide have hearing loss – according to the World Health Organization, over 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 level of hearing loss.
- 1 in 5 teens has hearing loss – hearing loss in teens is growing with the increased use of earbuds, among other factors. Hearing loss does not discriminate by age group.
- 65 percent of people with hearing loss are under age 65 – the idea that hearing loss only influences older 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 issues are the most commonly documented injury by veterans. Hearing loss is also one of the most widespread work-related injuries, affecting approximately 22 million workers in the US.
- Hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline – several studies out of Johns Hopkins University have demonstrated links between hearing loss and cognitive decline, diminished memory, and even an elevated risk of developing dementia.
- Hearing loss increases the risk of falls – a recent study reported 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 chances of falling increase as hearing loss becomes more significant.
- Hearing loss is present in 90 percent of tinnitus cases – most instances of tinnitus are associated with hearing loss, which means both conditions can potentially be remedied with hearing aids.
- Hearing loss can affect earnings – In a survey conducted by the Better Hearing Institute, hearing loss was found to adversely impact household income up to an average of $12,000 per year depending on the intensity 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 advancements.
Help us boost awareness about the facts of hearing loss by sharing this article. You might end up encouraging someone to improve their life with better hearing.