How thoroughly do you know the facts about hearing loss?

We’ve discovered that our patients are almost always surprised to learn about hearing loss, about how widespread it is and how it impacts all age groups. They’re also very surprised to learn how hearing loss can have an impact on all areas of health.

As hearing professionals, that implies we have a great deal of work to do. Obviously, the understanding 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 indicate how serious and commonplace hearing loss is, but that most people are not aware of.

Here they are:

1. 360 million people globally have hearing loss – as reported by the World Health Organization, over 5 percent of the world’s population (360 million) have disabling hearing loss.
2. 48 million people in the US have hearing loss – that’s 20 percent of all Americans, or one out of every five, that claim some level of hearing loss.
3. 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 group.
4. 65 percent of people with hearing loss are under age 65 – the idea that hearing loss only impacts older people is one of the most common and inaccurate misconceptions about hearing loss.
5. 60 percent of veterans return home with hearing loss and tinnitus – hearing concerns are the most commonly documented injury by veterans. Hearing loss is also one of the most widespread occupational injuries, affecting an estimated 22 million workers in the US.
6. Hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline – several studies out of Johns Hopkins University have confirmed links between hearing loss and cognitive decline, weakened memory, and even an enhanced risk of developing dementia.
7. Hearing loss raises the risk of falls – a recent study revealed 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 chances of falling increase as hearing loss becomes more significant.
8. Hearing loss is present in 90 percent of tinnitus cases – most cases of tinnitus are accompanied by hearing loss, which means both ailments can potentially be addressed with hearing aids.
9. Hearing loss can influence income – 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 degree of hearing loss.
10. 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 advancements.

Help us raise 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.