Hearing loss is a global and national health crisis. Our advice – know the facts and seek treatment.
Hearing Loss Prevalence – Not Just For The Old
- According to the World Health Organization, 360 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss.
- There are 48 million people in the US with hearing loss, yet only 2 million consider themselves deaf, using sign language as their primary mode of communication.
- One in 5 teenagers has hearing loss. This study was published in 2010, so the numbers are probably higher today.
- 60% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan come home with hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Hearing loss and tinnitus are the #1 and #2 most prevalent war wounds.
- According to the Better Hearing Institute, 65% of people with hearing loss are below age 65.
- 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.
- On average, it takes seven to 10 years before someone with hearing loss seeks treatment for it.
Hearing Loss Is Associated With Many Health Problems
- Hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of falls. People with a mild hearing loss are nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling. Each additional 10-decibels of loss increases the chances of falling by 1.4 times.
- Hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes. Among people with pre-diabetes, the rate of hearing loss is 30 percent higher than in those with normal blood glucose levels.
- Those with even mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia and this likelihood increases with higher degrees of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss is linked to accelerated brain tissue loss.
- There is a high correlation between hearing loss and cardiovascular disease.
- 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. Hearing loss occurs in 90% of tinnitus cases.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss on any level, we encourage you to contact us a Purchase Ear Technology located at 2008 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY 42001 or give us a call at (270) 558-3997.