Hearing Loss Facts

Hearing Loss, by the Numbers

Hearing loss impacts people of all ages. The average length of time between the onset of hearing loss and when a person first seeks help is 7 years. In those 7 years, he or she lacks full sound clarity, which adds brilliance to everyday life. Perhaps this is because it can take years for hearing loss to become debilitating and changes are difficult to notice. In essence, a person may not know what he or she is missing.

There are many hearing loss types from mild hearing impairment to sensorineural loss and complete deafness. Fortunately, options for improving hearing have evolved dramatically during the last 20 years. Today, nearly every individual can find a hearing aid that meets his or her unique needs. That’s an amazing thing, especially when you consider the numbers.

+31m


The number of Americans with some degree of hearing loss. That’s 10% of the population

#1


Where hearing loss ranks among chronic disabilities

7m


The number of children in America with hearing loss

8m


The number of people between the ages of 18 and 44 with hearing loss

14%


The percentage of people between 45 and 64 with hearing loss

30%


The percentage of people over the age of 65 with hearing loss

#1


Type of hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss, or “nerve” deafness

95%


The percentage of individuals with hearing impairment who can receive correction or rehabilitation with hearing devices

16%


The percentage of physicians that routinely screen for hearing loss

$56m


The estimated annual cost of lost productivity, special education, and medical care due to untreated hearing loss