37+ Hearing Loss Statistics & Facts You Need to Know (2023)

Hearing loss is a growing problem in many countries, and the numbers are even more staggering when it comes to children. In the United States, approximately 3 out of every 1,000 children are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. Here are 12 key statistics about hearing loss:

Top 12 Hearing Loss Statistics & Facts

• Approximately 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss.
• 1 in 4 adults in the United States, or about 61 million people, have some form of hearing loss.
• About 2-3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears.
• Men are more likely to experience hearing loss than women.
• Noise-induced hearing loss affects about 1 in 4 adults in the United States.
• About 60% of people with hearing loss are either in the workforce or in educational settings.
• People with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before seeking treatment.
• Only about 16% of physicians routinely screen for hearing loss.
• Approximately 15% of adults aged 18 and over in the United States report having trouble hearing without a hearing aid.
• Untreated hearing loss can lead to depression, social isolation, and cognitive decline.
• The use of hearing aids can improve cognitive function in older adults with hearing loss.
• Communication difficulties due to hearing loss can lead to decreased earning potential and lower job performance.

Hearing Loss Statistics & Facts in General (2023)

• It is projected that by 2050, around 2.5 billion people (or 1 in 4 people) will have some degree of hearing loss and at least 700 million will need hearing rehabilitation.
• Unsafe listening practices put over 1 billion young adults at risk of permanent hearing loss that could be prevented.
• A global scale-up of ear and hearing care services would require an annual investment of less than US$1.40 per person.
• Investing in ear and hearing care services could yield a return of nearly US$16 for every dollar invested over a 10-year period.

Hearing Loss Statistics among Older Adults

• Approximately one in three people aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss, and almost half of those aged 75 and older have difficulty hearing.
• Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition among older adults, after hypertension and arthritis.
• By 2060, the number of people aged 65 years or older with hearing loss is expected to reach nearly 38 million.
• Older adults with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience falls, social isolation, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
• Those with hearing loss are also at a higher risk of developing dementia than those without.

Hearing Loss Statistics in Children

• In the United States, approximately 3 out of every 1,000 children are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears.
• Children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing are at an increased risk for delays in language development, social skills, and academic achievement.
• An estimated 30 school-aged children per 1,000 have hearing loss that affects their ability to learn in a classroom setting.
• Half of childhood hearing loss cases are preventable through measures such as immunization against rubella and meningitis, improved maternal and neonatal care, and screening for ototoxic medicines.
• Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with hearing loss.

Hearing Loss Statistics Among Veterans

• Veterans are 30% more likely to have severe hearing loss compared to non-veterans.
• Hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears) are the two most common service-connected disabilities among veterans.
• More than 2.7 million veterans currently receive disability compensation for hearing loss.
• In 2019, the Department of Veterans Affairs provided over 2 million audiology appointments to veterans.
• Noise-induced hearing loss is a significant problem among military personnel and has been identified as a leading cause of service-connected disability claims.

Hearing Loss by Gender: Causes and Statistics

• Men are more likely to experience hearing loss than women.
• In the United States, approximately 1 in 5 men have some form of hearing loss, while only 1 in 8 women have it.
• Occupational exposure to noise is one of the main reasons why men are more likely to suffer from hearing loss than women.
• Men are also more likely to engage in activities that can damage their hearing, such as hunting, shooting firearms, and attending loud concerts or sporting events.

Types of Hearing Loss Prevalence

• Sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, affects about 90% of people with hearing loss.
• Conductive hearing loss, which is caused by a blockage in the ear canal or middle ear, affects about 10% of people with hearing loss.
• Mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, affects about 5% of people with hearing loss.
• Auditory processing disorder (APD) affects the ability to process and interpret sounds, even when the person's hearing is otherwise normal. APD affects about 5% of school-aged children.
• Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is caused by exposure to loud noise over time. It can affect people of all ages and is becoming more common due to increased exposure to noise from personal electronic devices and loud environments.
• Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is caused by changes in the inner ear and affects many older adults. It usually develops gradually and can be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Causes of Hearing Loss Prevalance

• Aging is the most common cause of hearing loss, with about 1 in 3 people aged 65-74 experiencing some degree of hearing loss.
• Exposure to loud noise is a leading cause of hearing loss, with about 1 in 8 people in the United States aged 12 and over experiencing hearing damage from noise exposure.
• Genetics can also play a role in hearing loss, with some genetic mutations causing hearing loss at birth or early childhood. The prevalence rate for genetic-related hearing loss varies depending on the specific mutation and population, but it's estimated to affect about 1 in 2,000 newborns.
• Other factors that can contribute to hearing loss include ear infections, head injuries, and certain medications. The prevalence rate for medication-induced hearing loss varies depending on the drug and dose, but it's estimated to affect up to 20% of patients taking certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs.
• Ototoxicity is a term used to describe damage to the inner ear caused by certain drugs or chemicals. Some common medications that can cause ototoxicity include chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics like gentamicin. The prevalence rate for ototoxicity-induced hearing loss varies depending on the drug and dose, but it's estimated to affect up to 50% of patients receiving high doses of certain chemotherapy drugs.
• Diseases like otosclerosis and Meniere's disease can also cause hearing loss by affecting the delicate structures within the ear. The prevalence rate for otosclerosis is estimated to be around 0.3% of the general population, while Meniere's disease affects about 0.2% of the population.
• Malformations of the inner ear or auditory nerve can cause hearing loss at birth or early childhood. The prevalence rate for congenital hearing loss varies depending on the specific malformation and population, but it's estimated to affect about 1-3 per 1,000 newborns.

Hearing Loss: Effects on Health, Earnings, and Development

• Adults with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and social isolation.
• Communication difficulties due to hearing loss can lead to decreased earning potential and lower job performance.
• Older adults with untreated hearing loss are more likely to experience falls and cognitive decline.
• Children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing are at an increased risk for delays in language development, social skills, and academic achievement.

Employment Challenges for People with Hearing Loss

• People with hearing loss are more likely to experience unemployment than those without.
• In the United States, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities, including hearing loss, was 12.6% in 2020 compared to 7.9% for those without disabilities.
• Adults with severe hearing loss have an unemployment rate of approximately 15%, which is higher than any other disability group.
• The employment gap between people with and without disabilities has not improved significantly in recent years, despite laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Many people with hearing loss face discrimination in hiring and on-the-job due to misconceptions about their abilities.
• Assistive technology like hearing aids and cochlear implants can help people with hearing loss perform their jobs effectively and should be considered reasonable accommodations under the ADA.

Treatment of Hearing Loss

Despite the prevalence of hearing loss, many people do not seek treatment for their condition. Here are some statistics about treatment options:

• Hearing aids are the most common treatment for hearing loss, with about 29 million people in the United States who could benefit from hearing aids not using them.
• Cochlear implants, which are surgically implanted devices that stimulate the auditory nerve, can provide a higher level of hearing for some people with severe hearing loss.
• Assistive listening devices, such as captioning or sign language interpreters, can also be helpful for people with hearing loss.
• In some cases, medical or surgical treatment may be necessary to address the underlying cause of hearing loss.

How many people wear hearing aids?

• Approximately 29 million adults in the United States could benefit from using hearing aids, yet only about 16% of those who would benefit actually use them.
• Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30%) have ever used them.
• In the United Kingdom, approximately 6.7 million people (or 10% of the population) are estimated to have some form of hearing loss, and around 2 million people wear hearing aids.
• In Australia, it is estimated that around 3.6 million people (or 15% of the population) have some form of hearing loss, and around 1.4 million people use hearing aids.

Cost of Hearing Loss Treatment Statistics

• The average cost of a single hearing aid can range from $1,500 to $3,000 in the United States.
• Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids or routine hearing exams for adults.
• Medicaid coverage for hearing aids varies by state, and even when covered, there may be limitations on how often they can be replaced or repaired.
• Private insurance coverage for hearing aids also varies widely and may have high deductibles or copays.
• The out-of-pocket costs associated with cochlear implants can range from $0 to over $100,000 depending on insurance coverage and other factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hearing loss is a prevalent and often overlooked condition that can have significant impacts on an individual's health, employment opportunities, and overall quality of life. Despite the availability of treatment options such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, many people with hearing loss do not seek help or are unable to access these devices due to cost or other barriers.

Early detection and intervention are critical for improving outcomes for children with hearing loss, while employers should take steps to ensure that individuals with hearing loss have equal access to job opportunities and necessary accommodations. By raising awareness about the prevalence of hearing loss and advocating for policies that improve access to treatment, we can work towards a more inclusive society for all individuals.

Sources

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (2021). Quick Statistics About Hearing.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Vital Signs: Hearing Loss in Children.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2020). Annual Benefits Report.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Deafness and Hearing Loss Fact Sheet.
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (2021). Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics Summary.

‍