Hearing Loss Statistics
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing, and 13% (one in eight) aged 12 and older have a hearing loss in both ears. While not all hearing loss is preventable, you can minimize the risk of some types of hearing loss. And there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of hearing loss.
Let’s start with the types and causes of hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Loss
The three basic categories of hearing loss include the following:
- Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound waves cannot carry through to the inner ear. Causes include earwax, foreign objects, fluid, infection, bone abnormality, or damage to the eardrum. It is most common in children who have recurrent ear infections or insert foreign objects into their ears. Sometimes, this type of hearing loss can be reversed.
- Sensorineural hearing loss – the most common type of hearing loss – occurs when the inner ear or hearing nerve is damaged. Causes include aging, injury, disease, certain medications, heredity, or exposure to loud noise. Typically, this type of hearing loss cannot be reversed; however, hearing aids can often help.
- Mixed hearing loss is the combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
A hearing screening can help determine what type of hearing loss you have and if hearing aids can help.
Causes of Hearing Loss:
Aging – Age-related hearing loss – presbycusis – occurs when hair cells in the inner ears deteriorate.
Noise exposure – Long-term exposure to loud noises or a short blast of loud noise can damage the cells of your inner ear. Consistent loud noises in certain occupations – such as factory work or construction – can lead to hearing loss. Some recreational activities – such as hunting, listening to loud music, snowmobiling, etc. – can also lead to hearing loss.
Medical and genetic conditions – Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Meniere’s disease, can cause hearing loss. Genetic makeup can also result in hearing loss in infants and the elderly. In fact, 60-80% of deafness in infants is caused by a genetic condition.
Some medications – More than 200 prescription and over-the-counter medications – known as ototoxic medications – can cause hearing loss. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), “Ototoxic medications known to cause permanent damage include certain aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as gentamicin (family history may increase susceptibility), and cancer chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin.”
Hearing Loss Prevention
Most hearing loss is permanent; however, some types can be prevented. Here are steps you can take to minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and to avoid the worsening of age-related hearing loss:
- Avoid loud noises when possible.
- Protect your ears with earplugs or earmuffs.
- Turn down the volume on the TV, radio, etc.
- Take breaks from loud noises.
- Manage headphone use.
- Don’t put anything small in your ears, such as cotton swabs.
- Don’t smoke. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Smoking was found to be statistically associated with the hearing impairment, with 65.7% of the smokers and 15% of the non-smokers having hearing impairment.”
- Understand the medication you are taking by asking your physician if hearing loss is a possible side effect.
- Have your hearing tested regularly – especially if you are routinely exposed to a noisy environment.
Minimize the Impact of Hearing Loss – Get Started:
“About 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids,” according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Precision Hearing Aid Center provides free hearing screenings to help determine if you are suffering from hearing loss and if hearing aids can help.
Give us a call at 610-779-3205 or contact us online.