How well do you know the facts about hearing loss?
We’ve discovered that our patients are virtually always surprised to learn about hearing loss, about how common it is and how it strikes all age groups. They’re also quite surprised to learn how hearing loss can have an impact on all aspects of health.
As hearing professionals, that means 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 organized ten facts that establish how serious and commonplace hearing loss is, but that most people are not aware of.
Here they are:
- 360 million people globally have hearing loss – as reported by the World Health Organization, more than 5 percent of the world’s population (360 million) have disabling hearing loss.
- 48 million people in the US have hearing loss – that’s 20 percent of all Americans, or one out of every five, that experience some measure of hearing loss.
- 1 in 5 teenagers 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.
- 65 percent of individuals with hearing loss are under age 65 – the idea that hearing loss only influences older people is one of the most widespread and inaccurate misconceptions 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 occupational injuries, affecting approximately 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 increases the risk of falls – 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.
- Hearing loss is present in 90 percent of tinnitus cases – most instances of tinnitus are associated with hearing loss, which means both ailments can potentially be treated with hearing aids.
- Hearing loss can impact income – In a survey carried out 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 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 despite all of the technological enhancements.
Help us boost awareness about the facts of hearing loss by sharing this blog post. You might end up helping someone to enhance their life with better hearing.