HEARING LOSS

 

You are not alone…

Estimates show that 31.5 million persons in the US have hearing loss – That’s about 10% of the US population.

Hearing loss affects persons from all age groups. Here are some statistics to consider:

  • 3 in 10 people over age 60 have hearing loss
  • 1 in 6 baby boomers have a hearing problem
  • 1 in 14 persons ages 29-40 already have hearing loss
  • 1.4 million children (18 or younger) have hearing loss
  • 65% of the people with hearing loss are younger than 65


Causes of Hearing Loss:

  • Noise exposure (i.e. construction, rock music, gun shot)
  • Aging (presbycusis)
  • Infections (otitis media)
  • Injury to the head or ear
  • Birth defects or genetics
  • Ototoxic drugs treatments, such as those used in chemotherapy.

 

Types of Hearing Loss

Conductive: Caused by a condition or disease that impedes the conveyance of sound through the middle ear, resulting in a reduction in the volume of sound that reaches the cochlea. Generally, this type of hearing loss can be treated with a complete or partial improvement in hearing.

Sensorineural: Results from inner ear or auditory nerve dysfunction. It is typically permanent. It reduces the intensity of sound, but it might also result in a lack of clarity. The treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is amplification through hearing aids.

Mixed: Combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing aids can be beneficial for persons with a mixed hearing loss, but caution should be exercised.

(Courtesy: Better Hearing Institute)