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Hearing loss facts

Did you know… hearing loss facts

The average age of hearing loss is 52, and this is expected to affect younger generations within the next decade. Younger age groups are experiencing hearing loss and tinnitus decades before previous generations. Research suggests that this increase is largely due to the increased use of listening devices.

As it stands now, a staggering 25% of those grappling with hearing loss are not even 40 years old yet, while a remarkable 70% are still below the age of 70. It is important to keep in mind the age group of those experiencing hearing loss as there are a number of detrimental health-related issues that are more likely. The more frequent disorders associated with hearing loss include depression, anxiety, social isolation, as well as changes in the brain that can lead to the early onset of dementia.

The challenge with hearing loss and conditions that often come with it is that it often goes undetected due to its slow onset. There typically is not a drastic enough change for people to notice. However, it is becoming increasingly important for younger people to be tested for hearing loss.

Depression and anxiety

Those who are unaware of hearing loss may isolate themselves socially for fear of embarrassment. The increased likelihood of depression and anxiety have been linked to hearing loss, significantly lowers quality of life and self-image. Individuals with hearing loss report a healthier, happier lifestyle after they begin using hearing aids. The use of hearing aids is associated with reductions in anger, frustration, paranoia, anxiety, and overall improvements in emotional stability. Most people who use hearing aids also have improved social lives and are less likely to socially isolate than their unaided counterparts.

Family members typically notice the hearing loss and play a significant role in ensuring their loved one is tested. Relationships tend to become more strained as hearing loss progresses with those experiencing hearing loss believing that those around them are mumbling.

9 out of 10 hearing aid users report improvements in their quality of life.
-Brampton Audiology

Hearing loss and conditions

There are also a number of health issues associated with hearing loss including high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are 75% more likely to have hearing loss. Medications used for various health problems can also affect hearing and/or cause sounds to occur in the ears such as ringing or buzzing (tinnitus).

Hearing cannot be examined in isolation as so many other mental and physical health conditions are connected. Ongoing research suggests a strong relationship between hearing loss and the brain. This is due to the gradual deterioration of hearing loss which extends beyond the ears up to the pathways and auditory centers of the brain.

The most challenging aspect of hearing loss is that most people are not aware of it and are not motivated to have their hearing tested due to the stigma of hearing aid use and aging.

Hearing aids and artificial intelligence

Thankfully, hearing aids are far more advanced and will undergo fascinating changes in the future as Artificial Intelligence becomes embedded in hearing aid technology. AI will streamline hearing aid use for the user in real-time, amplifying sounds that are the most difficult for the user to hear. Interesting times are ahead in hearing aid technology.

Hearing aids can slow down hearing loss

It is important to test hearing as hearing aids can slow down the progression of hearing loss when used at the onset of hearing loss. It is important to preserve hearing as much as possible, as it is irreversible in most cases. Only 5% of hearing loss in adults can be improved through medical or surgical treatment. The vast majority of individuals (95%) with hearing loss have their hearing loss treated with hearing aids.

Better outcomes with hearing aids

It is crucial to treat hearing loss as hearing-impaired individuals are less likely to be discriminated against if they use hearing aids. Those who use hearing aids in the workplace are more likely to be promoted and also have higher incomes than those who do not treat their hearing loss.

People who treat their hearing loss are often seen as more competent than those who do not. Missing crucial information during meetings in a professional or social setting can cause increased frustration for everyone. The embarrassment of missing pieces of the conversation often leads to social isolation for those experiencing hearing loss. This extends to other important health outcomes, as people who use hearing aids report better health than hearing-impaired people who do not use hearing aids.

1 out of 10 individuals have a hearing loss.
3 out of 1000 children are born with hearing loss.
15% of “baby boomers” (ages 45-64) have hearing loss.
29% of people over age 65 have hearing loss.
The majority (60%) of people with hearing loss are males.
The majority (65%) of people with hearing loss are below retirement age.

Careers and hearing aids

1 in 4 workers exposed to high levels of noise will develop a hearing loss. Professions at a higher risk for hearing loss include firefighters, police officers, factory workers, farmers, construction workers, military personnel, heavy industry workers, musicians, and entertainment industry professionals.

People who address their hearing loss have higher earning power than those who leave their hearing loss untreated. This discrepancy is often due to the assumptions of colleagues who witness those suffering from hearing loss miss crucial information in meetings. During this time many are not aware that the only reason the person is missing information is because of a hearing loss. Many workplaces will ensure that strategies are put into place to help those who have hearing loss. This is why hearing loss needs to be detected and managed.

Children and Hearing Loss

The vast majority of hospitals now offer newborn hearing screening before discharge from the hospital. All children should be screened for hearing loss before 1 month of age. Infants can be treated for hearing loss with hearing aids as early as 2-4 months of age. This is important as even mild hearing loss can seriously impact a child’s ability to learn in a school environment. This can lead parents down the wrong path as hearing loss is often misdiagnosed as a learning disability.

Interestingly, 85% of all children experience at least one ear infection.

Second-hand smoke in the home increases the risk of middle ear infections and respiratory allergies in children. o

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