Hearing Loss: 7 Startling Facts

More than 360 million people have disabling hearing loss, according to February 2013 research released by the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO). Unfortunately, a large majority of those who need help do not receive it. In fact, only one out of every five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders).

Here are 7 startling facts to consider:

1. Approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population or 38 million Americans have a significant hearing loss. (Center for Hearing and Communication)
2. One in every three people over the age of 65 – a total of 165 million people worldwide – lives with hearing loss. (WHO)
3. 32 million people affected by hearing loss are children under the age of 15. (WHO)
4. People with hearing loss wait an average of seven years before seeking help. (Center for Hearing and Communication)
5. Noise is the leading cause of hearing loss. (NY Times Personal Health Blog)
6. 30 million Americans are exposed to dangerous noise levels everyday. (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)
7. A 12-year study conducted by the neurology department at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that untreated hearing loss increased the risk for dementia.

If you think you may be one of the millions of Americans suffering from hearing loss use Better Hearing Month as an opportunity to get help. Contact Us at North Fulton Ear, Nose & Throat Associates for a complimentary hearing consultation.