How well do you know the facts about hearing loss?
We’ve found that our patients are virtually always amazed to learn about hearing loss, about how common it is and how it impacts all age groups. They’re also quite surprised to learn how hearing loss can affect all areas of health.
As hearing professionals, that means we have a lot of work to do. Obviously, 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 most people are not aware of.
Here they are:
- 360 million people globally 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 US have hearing loss – that’s 20 percent of all Americans, or one out of every five, that experience some degree 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 group.
- 65 percent of those with hearing loss are under age 65 – the belief that hearing loss only influences older people is one of the most prevailing and inaccurate myths about hearing loss.
- 60 percent of veterans return home with hearing loss and tinnitus – hearing concerns are the most commonly reported injury by veterans. Hearing loss is also one of the most widespread 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 an elevated 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 chances of falling increase as hearing loss becomes more severe.
- Hearing loss occurs in 90 percent of tinnitus cases – most cases of tinnitus are associated with hearing loss, which means both ailments can oftentimes be managed with hearing aids.
- Hearing loss can affect 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 – 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 boost awareness about the facts of hearing loss by sharing this blog post. You could end up helping someone to improve their life with better hearing.