8897 Mentor Ave Mentor, OH 44060
8897 Mentor Ave Mentor, OH 44060
Who Has Hearing Loss?
Advanced Audiology Concepts • March 16, 2023
Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the United States and is more prevalent than diabetes or cancer; as the Centers for Disease Control CDC noted. Hearing loss is an invisible disability but can affect individuals across all demographics. Below are a few quick statistics that provide insight into how many individuals are directly impacted by hearing loss. About 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears.1
- More than 90 percent of deaf children are born to hearing parents.2
- Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.3
- Among adults aged 20-69, the overall annual prevalence of hearing loss dropped slightly from 16 percent (28.0 million) in the 1999-2004 period to 14 percent (27.7 million) in the 2011–2012 period.4
- Age is the strongest predictor of hearing loss among adults aged 20-69, with the greatest amount of hearing loss in the 60 to 69 age group.4
- Men are almost twice as likely as women to have hearing loss among adults aged 20-69.4
- Non-Hispanic white adults are more likely than adults in other racial/ethnic groups to have hearing loss; non-Hispanic black adults have the lowest prevalence of hearing loss among adults aged 20-69.4
- About 18 percent of adults aged 20-69 have speech-frequency hearing loss in both ears from among those who report 5 or more years of exposure to very loud noise at work, as compared to 5.5 percent of adults with speech-frequency hearing loss in both ears who report no occupational noise exposure.4
- One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears, based on standard hearing examinations.5
- About 2 percent of adults aged 45 to 54 have disabling hearing loss. The rate increases to 8.5 percent for adults aged 55 to 64. Nearly 25 percent of those aged 65 to 74 and 50 percent of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss.6
- Roughly 10 percent of the U.S. adult population, or about 25 million Americans, has experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year.7
- About 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.2
- Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them. Even fewer adults aged 20 to 69 (approximately 16 percent) who could benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.9
- As of December 2019, approximately 736,900 cochlear implants have been implanted worldwide. In the United States, roughly 118,100 devices have been implanted in adults and 65,000 in children.10
- Five out of 6 children experience ear infection (otitis media) by the time they are 3 years old.11
These numbers do not include individuals indirectly impacted by the disability, friends, and family interacting daily with someone who has difficulty hearing. It also provides little insight into the impact hearing loss has on the emotional, social, and economic well-being of people with hearing loss.
If you or someone you know is having trouble hearing, don’t wait; call us today.
With a mix of passion and compassion, the doctors at Advanced Audiology Concepts The Hearing Center in Mentor are the hometown choice for helping people live their best lives by detecting hearing loss and coming up with proactive plans customized to each patient to address it. “Hearing loss often occurs slowly over time like a dimmer switch,” says Dr. Jane Kukula, who founded the center in 2000 after working with a downtown Cleveland children’s rehab hospital for many years. “It’s important to diagnose hearing loss properly and professionally, as it could be caused by something simple like ear wax buildup.” Hearing Loss and Dementia “While there have been numerous studies over the years that show the relationship between hearing loss and dementia, a recent one stated that hearing loss is the number one mitigatable risk for dementia,” says Dr. Jane. “Scientists have found it can increase your chances of dementia by up to five times. The two are connected because when your hearing goes, the part of the brain that enables the signals you receive through hearing becomes inactive and declines.” In addition to its link to brain decline, hearing loss also increases a person’s fall risk and related ER visits. “Since hearing loss is connected to issues such as diabetes and kidney disease, like a canary in a coal mine, getting your hearing tested can be an indicator for your overall health,” she adds. “It also reduces a person’s socialization, which is connected to your ability to thrive.”
A recent breakthrough study sheds light on the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Published in The Lancet in July, 2023, the ACHIEVE study provides evidence that hearing intervention can be an effective way to slow cognitive decline in older adults at greater risk of dementia. The randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of hearing intervention on cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss. It included 977 adults ages 70-84 with untreated hearing loss free from substantial cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive hearing aids and audiological support services (intervention group) or health education (control group). The study found that, over three years, hearing intervention did not significantly affect cognitive decline in the general population of older adults with hearing loss. However, in older adults at greater risk of dementia, hearing intervention was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline. Specifically, participants in the intervention group were 25% less likely to show significant cognitive decline over three years than participants in the control group. The findings of the ACHIEVE study suggest that hearing intervention may effectively slow cognitive decline in older adults at greater risk of dementia. More research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal timing and duration of hearing intervention to prevent cognitive decline. Here are some additional details about the study: The study was conducted at four sites in the United States: the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of California, San Francisco. The intervention group received hearing aids and audiological support services, which included hearing aid fittings, counseling and follow-up appointments. The control group received health education, which included information about hearing loss and dementia. The study’s primary outcome was the rate of cognitive decline, as measured by a standardized cognitive function test. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, and the Hearing Loss Association of America. As the study points out, the longer you wait to do something about your hearing loss, the greater the risk for cognitive decline. Call us today, we can help.
The holiday season is in full swing, gatherings small and large at a variety of venues. Unfortunately, for individuals with hearing loss their struggle to clearly understand what’s being said is more apparent that ever before. The human ear, a marvel of engineering, allows us to navigate the world’s symphony of sound. But when this intricate system falters, even slightly, the consequences can be surprising. Mild hearing loss, often dismissed as a minor inconvenience, can have a significant impact on our lives, working its way into our relationships, work, and even our health. While you might still catch most conversations, the subtle nuances of speech – the inflection, the soft consonants – become blurred. Imagine trying to decipher a whispered secret in a crowded room, or struggling to follow the plot of a movie with muffled dialogue. These everyday situations become frustrating exercises in concentration, leaving you feeling isolated and out of the loop. The social impact of mild hearing loss is often the most noticeable. Misunderstandings bloom, leading to awkward silences and strained conversations. Jokes fall flat, and the joy of shared laughter dims. Social gatherings, once a source of connection, become an exhausting effort to keep up, leading to withdrawal and loneliness. The workplace can also be a minefield. Important instructions get missed, deadlines slip, and valuable contributions go unheard. Career advancement becomes a steeper climb, and the constant strain of deciphering muffled communication can lead to fatigue and decreased productivity. But the effects of mild hearing loss extend beyond the immediate. Studies have shown a link between unaddressed hearing loss and cognitive decline, including an increased risk of dementia. The brain, deprived of its full auditory input, struggles to compensate, leading to a domino effect on cognitive function. The good news? Ignoring hearing loss isn’t the answer. Addressing mild hearing loss early can make a world of difference. Hearing aids can amplify the sounds you’ve been missing, restoring clarity to communication and reconnecting you with the world around you. Here’s what to do: Get your hearing tested: A hearing test can provide valuable insight into your auditory health. Talk to your hearing healthcare professional: Early intervention is key. Discuss your concerns and treatment options with your hearing healthcare provider. Embrace technology: Today’s hearing aids are discreet, sophisticated, and can be customized to your needs. Don’t be shy: Hearing loss is common, and seeking help is smart. Talk to your loved ones and colleagues, and break the stigma surrounding hearing health. Remember, even a mild hearing loss can have a big impact. By taking action, you can turn up the volume on your life and reconnect with the world you deserve to hear.