How Common is Hearing Loss?

Did you know that hearing loss is the third most common health issue in the United States? In fact, only arthritis and heart disease are more prevalent than hearing loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How common is hearing loss?

It may be surprising to learn that hearing loss is so common; however, the health condition affects more than just the elderly population. In fact, gradual hearing loss affects people of all ages. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorder (NIDCD), two to three of every 1,000 children in the U.S. are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. 

Because of exposure to loud noises, the NIDCD reports that 15 percent of Americans age 18 and older report some trouble hearing. The NIDCD also reports that hearing loss occurs at all ages:

• One in eight people age 12 and older have hearing loss in both ears
• About 15 percent of school-age children (six to 19) have some degree of hearing loss
• Roughly 16 percent of Americans age 20-69 report some hearing loss
• One in three Americans age 65-74 have hearing loss
• One in two Americans age 75 and older have hearing loss 

Are there different types of hearing loss?

Depending on the cause, hearing loss is defined as mild, moderate, severe or profound.

• Mild hearing loss: Individuals with mild hearing loss manage well during one-on-one conversations but have difficulty hearing every word during a conversation amid background noise.
• Moderate hearing loss: People with moderate hearing loss often ask others to repeat themselves during conversations.
• Severe hearing loss: Individuals with severe hearing loss cannot follow conversations without a hearing aid.
• Profound hearing loss: Individuals with profound hearing loss can only hear people during a conversation if they are shouting. Hearing aids or cochlear implants are vital to ensuring people with profound hearing loss can hear.

Although hearing loss is common, it is not self-diagnosable. While you may be aware of some of the common symptoms (such as the ones listed above), it is important to visit an audiologist in order to learn the type and degree of hearing loss you have. From there, the audiologist will be able to determine and choose hearing loss solutions, such as hearing aids, to help you better manage during conversations.