How well do you know the facts about hearing loss?

We’ve discovered that our patients are nearly always amazed to learn about hearing loss, about how widespread it is and how it strikes all age groups. They’re also very surprised to learn how hearing loss can affect all aspects of health.

As hearing professionals, that means we have a lot of work to do. Clearly, the understanding of hearing loss does not match the truth, and we have to work to raise awareness.

To that end, we’ve assembled ten facts that demonstrate how serious and widespread hearing loss is, but that most people are unaware of.

Here they are:

1. 360 million people globally have hearing loss – according to the World Health Organization, more than 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 describe some level of hearing loss.
3. 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 group.
4. 65 percent of individuals with hearing loss are under age 65 – the belief that hearing loss only impacts older people is one of the most popular and inaccurate misconceptions about hearing loss.
5. 60 percent of veterans return home with hearing loss and tinnitus – hearing problems are the most frequently documented injury by veterans. Hearing loss is also one of the most widespread work-related injuries, affecting an estimated 22 million workers in the US.
6. Hearing loss can bring about cognitive decline – several studies out of Johns Hopkins University have confirmed links between hearing loss and cognitive decline, diminished memory, and even a greater 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 compared to those with normal hearing. And the likelihood of falling increase as hearing loss becomes more significant.
8. Hearing loss occurs in 90 percent of tinnitus cases – most cases of tinnitus are accompanied by hearing loss, which means both ailments can potentially be treated with hearing aids.
9. 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 intensity 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 make use of them. This despite all of the technological advancements.

Help us boost awareness about the facts of hearing loss by sharing this article. You could end up helping someone to improve their life with better hearing.