Facts About Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older Americans, after hypertension and arthritis.

1 in 3 people over the age of 60 have hearing loss. 1 in 6 Baby Boomers (ages 49-68) have hearing loss. 1 in 14 Generation Xers (ages 37-48) already have hearing loss. 1 in 5 Teenagers have some type of hearing loss.

What risk factors are associated with hearing loss?

Smoking-Current smokers have a 70% higher risk to have hearing loss than non-smokers.

Diabetes-Hearing loss is about twice as common in people with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. Adults with pre-diabetes, whose blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss compared to those with normal blood sugar.

Heart Health-The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow. Inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear can contribute to hearing loss.

Hypertension-There is a significant association between high blood pressure and hearing loss. Hypertension is an accelerating factor of degeneration of the hearing apparatus due to aging.

How can hearing loss affect quality of life?

Memory-Adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering than adults with normal hearing. Degraded hearing may force the brain to devote too much of its energy processing sound. Adults with hearing loss develop a significant impairment in their cognitive abilities; 3.2 years sooner than those with normal hearing. Those with hearing loss experience a 30-40% greater decline in thinking abilities compared to their counterparts without hearing loss. Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing.

Falling-People with mild hearing loss (25 decibels) are three times more likely to have a history of falling. Every additional 10 decibels of hearing loss increases the chances of falling by 1.4 times the original risk.

Mental Health-Adults with untreated hearing loss tend to withdraw from engaging with family and friends. Adults, 50 and older, with untreated hearing loss are more likely to report depression, anxiety, anger and frustration, emotional instability and paranoia, and are less likely to participate in social activities than those who wear hearing aids. The degree of depression and other emotional or mental health issues also increases with the severity of hearing loss.

Tinnitus-90% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. The most common causes of tinnitus are: noise exposure, aging, head injury and medication side effects. Tinnitus affects up to 50 million Americans.

Income- People with untreated hearing loss lose up to $30,000 annually. Adults with hearing loss, who wear hearing aids, have a lower unemployment rate than their peers with hearing loss, who do not wear hearing aids.

It is important to take an empowered, proactive approach to health during every stage of your life-let it begin with your hearing health.

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