20% (48 million) of the US population report some degree of hearing loss.
The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, up to 1 in 3 over age 65, which makes hearing loss the third most prevalent, but treatable, disabling condition behind arthritis and hypertension.
95% of people with hearing loss have their loss treated with hearing aids, but only 25% currently use them!
Only 5% of hearing loss in adults can be improved through medical or surgical treatment.
People of all ages, including children, teens, young adults, and older people, can develop noise-induced hearing loss.
Approximately ten percent of Americans between ages 20 and 69—or 22 million Americans—already may have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from noise
Everyday in the US, approximately 1 in 1,000 newborns (or 33 babies every day) is born profoundly deaf with another 2-3 out of 1,000 babies born with partial hearing loss, making hearing loss the number one birth defect in America.
People with hearing loss wait an average of seven years before seeking help. Only 9.7% of people age 65 and older have normal hearing; only 78% of people over 55 have normal hearing.
Reach out for support! If you notice you have a hearing loss, and you aren't sure what to do or where to go, ask! You can contact us, contact your doctor, or even ask a friend or family member for help. It's better to seek help rather than suffer in silence (no pun intended) and lose communication with your world. You never know...the answer could be easier than you think!
Take note of the situations you are struggling to hear. Is it only when you are in noisy places like restaurants? Maybe you are struggling on the phone. Does everyone sound like they're talking quieter? Jot it all down - it will help down the road!
You can also try out this simple, online hearing test that Duncan-Nulph Hearing Associates offers on their website. Check out this link!
This seems obvious, but you would be surprised how many people think they have a hearing loss, and it turns out that they just have a lot of wax build-up in their ear(s)! Clean your ears, or even schedule an appointment with your doctor to make sure your ears are properly cleaned!
Come to a Capital Region Chapter meeting! Even if the meeting topic is not quite the answer to your question, there is always time to ask questions.
Is this all too serious for you?
Check out our Humor page for some laughs that you just may be able to relate to your life!