It’s estimated that between 36 and 50 million Americans have hearing loss. Most hearing loss can be treated with hearing aids, although only 25%-30% currently use them.
According to statistics provided by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), here are some facts about hearing loss:
- Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition diagnosed after arthritis and heart disease
- Hearing loss is the #1 disability in the United States
- One in five teens in the U.S. exhibit some form of hearing loss
- At age 60, one out of three people have hearing loss
- 1 in 14 Generation Xers (ages 37-48) already have hearing loss
- Hearing loss is often confused with, or complicates, other conditions, such as dementia
- 60% of those with hearing loss are either in the work force or educational settings
- 60% of Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan come home with hearing loss