Hearing Loss Statistics

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) estimates that one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss. In adults over 75, almost half have difficulty hearing. 

In fact, hearing loss is the third most chronic physical condition in the US. You may have been left feeling alone and isolated after a diagnosis of hearing loss. The following hearing loss statistics will show that you are not alone!

Hearing Loss Statistics

• Estimates show that 466 million people around the world have a disabling hearing loss. Of these, 34 million are children. (source)
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 900+ million people will have a disabling hearing loss by the year 2050. (source)
• The strongest predictor of hearing loss for adults 20 – 69 years old is age. The highest amount of hearing loss is in those aged 60-69. (source)
• Approximately 33% of American adults aged 65-74 and almost 50% of those aged 75+ have hearing loss. (source)
• Causes of hearing loss may include: (source)
  • Natural aging
  • Autoimmune inner ear disease
  • Ototoxic medications
  • Some health conditions
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Exposure to loud noise (learn more about occupational hearing loss here)
• The Hearing Health Foundation estimates that in the United States, profound hearing loss can cost as much as $1 million per person over the course of a lifetime. (source)
• Roughly 10% of Americans experience Tinnitus on a regular basis. (source)

• 25 million American adults report experiencing tinnitus for five or more continuous minutes in the past year. (source)
• 16 million people seek medical attention for tinnitus. (source)

Hearing Loss Treatment

Although hearing loss is the 3rd most common chronic condition in the US, people will often wait years before seeking treatment for their hearing loss. Studies have shown that hearing aid users often wait over 10 years after an initial diagnosis of hearing loss before getting hearing aids. (Davis, Smith, Ferguson, Stephens, & Gianopoulos, 2007). The NIDCD estimates that roughly 30 million American adults could benefit from hearing aids.

There are many benefits to treating a hearing loss. From improved communication, to protecting your brain, treating hearing loss has wide-reaching implications. The team at Regional Hearing & Balance Center would be happy to discuss any questions you may have about hearing loss. Why not book an appointment today? 

Trust the Experts at Regional Hearing and Balance Center 

Do you have any more questions? The hearing care professionals at Regional Hearing and Balance Center would be happy to help. Contact us today to request your appointment with our hearing care professionals.