It’s the third most common chronic condition in the United States after hypertension and arthritis, and experts project the number of cases to increase. Factors including a larger aging population, increased noise exposure and lifestyle habits continue to contribute to the prevalence of hearing loss around the world.
Understanding the causes of hearing loss and the implications of living with an untreated auditory condition can help you assess your risk and protect your ears.
Hearing Loss Statistics
The global impact of hearing loss:
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), roughly 1.5 billion people have some degree of hearing loss.
- About 70 million people live with deafness or complete hearing loss across the globe.
- More than one billion young adults are at risk of permanent hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits.
Hearing loss in the United States:
- About 37.5 million Americans ages 18 and older have some trouble hearing.
- Among adults 20 to 69 years old, men are twice as likely to have hearing loss compared to women.
- People 75 and older who have hearing loss experience a 30-40% faster decline in cognitive abilities.
- The prevalence of hearing loss in Iowa and Minnesota is 20.3% and 18.7% of the population, respectively.
- Those with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling.
- Roughly 30 million Americans could benefit from wearing a hearing aid.
- The number of hearing loss cases is expected to double by 2060.
Hearing Loss in Different Age Groups
Hearing loss can occur in any age group, from infants to seniors.
0-18 years old: Two of every 1,000 children born in the U.S. have some level of hearing loss in one or both ears. It’s typically the result of congenital conditions, infection or injury.
19-34 years old: Hearing loss rates rise for young adults due to increased noise exposure, infections, head trauma and the use of ototoxic medication.
35-64 years old: Sustaining several decades of noise damage can result in moderate or even severe hearing loss in middle-aged individuals. Medical conditions can also contribute.
65 and older: Age-related hearing loss, cumulative damage and the potential side effects of chronic health conditions and medication make hearing loss more common in this age group.
What Causes Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is caused by a variety of factors and conditions, including:
- Damage to the hair cells in your inner ear or auditory nerve
- Repeat exposure to loud sounds
- Head or neck trauma
- Genetic conditions
- Ear infections
- Meniere’s disease
- Ototoxic medications
- Tumors and bone growths
- Earwax buildup
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
- Eardrum perforation
Hearing Loss by Profession
Certain professions and lifestyle choices, especially hobbies, can lead to an increased risk of hearing loss.
Performers: Musicians, dancers and other performing artists are more likely to sustain hearing damage due to repeat exposure to sounds louder than 85 decibels.
Industrial workers: Manufacturing processes, machinery noise and the use of explosives can spell disaster for those working in the industrial sector. That’s why it’s important to adhere to workplace hearing protection guidelines.
Pilots and military personnel: Ground crew, pilots and military members are frequently exposed to jet engines and explosive noises during training and combat. That can result in severe hearing loss and even tinnitus.
Healthcare professionals: High-frequency sounds like drill noises can result in gradual hearing loss over time.
The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
The likelihood of developing hearing loss increases as you get older due to the natural process of age-related hearing loss or presbycusis. However, long-term exposure to noises above 85 decibels such as city traffic or a concert, or a sudden loud sound like an explosion can result in hearing loss earlier in life.
Living with untreated hearing loss can affect your emotional and mental well-being, increasing your risk for:
- Social withdrawal
- Isolation
- Depression and anxiety
- Cognitive decline
- Alzheimer’s and dementia
Hearing loss can also leave you feeling mentally fatigued as your ears and brain work harder to interpret limited auditory input. Relationship strain is also common if you haven’t addressed your hearing issues. Miscommunication can lead to frustration, negatively impacting your relationship with your loved ones.
Why Hearing Loss Awareness Matters
Addressing your hearing health supports early intervention and reduces the long-term implications of hearing loss. Once you understand the cause of your hearing loss, you can take preventative measures to avoid further damage. Seeking treatment could also help you identify underlying health conditions contributing to your hearing loss.
Audiology in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota
Hearing Associates offers comprehensive hearing testing, hearing aid services, tinnitus treatment and aural rehabilitation. Wherever you are on your hearing health journey, we can help you keep moving forward. Schedule your appointment online or call 888-760-2032.