Hearing Loss

Hearing Loss and Hearing Impairment

Hearing loss is more common than you might think. Interestingly, due to recreational and environmental noise, hearing loss is occurring at younger and younger ages. Consider the facts (courtesy of Starkey hearing aids):

Demographics:

• 28 million Americans are hearing impaired, and an estimated 500 million experience hearing loss, worldwide
• In the U.S., one out of 12 30-year-olds is already hearing-impaired and one in 8 50-year-olds suffer from hearing loss
• After President Bill Clinton was fitted for hearing aids, more than 1 million other baby boomers identified themselves as experiencing hearing loss
• There are more baby boomers aged 45-64 with a hearing loss (10 million) than there are people over the age of 65 with a hearing loss (9 million)
• More than a third of all hearing loss is attributed to noise: loud music, loud workplaces, loud recreational equipment
• Thanks to the above, we’re all losing our hearing at a younger age than we were 30 years ago
• Of the 10 million Americans aged 45 to 64 who have a hearing loss, 6 out of 7 do not yet benefit from wearing hearing aids

Hearing Loss Facts:

• Hearing loss is second only to arthritis as the most common issue for older adults
• Only about 10% of hearing losses are helped by surgery or other medical treatment
• 90% of hearing losses can be treated with the use of hearing aids
• Only 16% of physicians routinely perform hearing loss evaluation

If you or your loved ones might be affected by hearing loss, you should read our Hearing Loss FAQ! Alamance ENT Audiology Clinic is proud to offer many different kinds of hearing aids that may help you hear sounds more clearly and loudly.