Hearing loss is a shockingly common problem in the United States that can have various causes and degrees of severity. Let’s take a look at some of the facts behind hearing loss:

• Nearly 3 of every 1000 American children are born with varying degrees of hearing loss.
• Parents of 90% of deaf children have no hearing problems themselves
• There are 4 medically defined stages of hearing loss: mild, moderate, severe and profound.
• Over 48 million America adults report some degree of hearing loss.
• Approximately 4000 people suffer sudden hearing loss annually in the United States, and the cause is only found it 10-15% of these cases.
• Some chronic diseases (namely heart diseases) can cause hearing loss by effecting how much blood is reaching the ears.
• A trauma to the head can cause acute hearing loss (permanent or temporary).
• About 5% of children have a disorder called Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) which prevents them from being able to distinguish some sounds from others. It causes confusion, inability to listen to instructions and noise intolerance.
• Most hearing loss fades so gradually it is only detected when it is a significant issue.
• According to the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), hearing loss is the third leading chronic physical condition after arthritis and heart disease.
• Advanced age is the leading cause of hearing loss. Nearly half of adults aged 75 or order have disabling levels of hearing loss.
• Unfortunately, hearing loss is often confused for dementia older persons because they may be confused, disoriented and off balance, symptoms that can correlate with cognitive decline. (Therefor, it is important for an older person’s hearing to be tested before looking into senility).
• Some types of hearing loss can be treated with surgery, some can be helped with the use of a hearing aid, and some cases cannot be helped.
• Genetics have a role to play in many cases of deafness and hearing loss.
• Some cases of hearing loss are dependant on continuously noisy environments, for example 44% of carpenters develop early hearing loss.
• Hearing problems and disorders are more prevalent among males than females.
• Some medications such as antibiotics, blood thinners or chemotherapy medications can cause hearing loss.
• Only 20% of those who can benefit from hearing aids actually utilize them. Many people find they change sound too much.
• Sometimes ear infections can cause hearing loss, so if you have itchiness, clogged ears, swelling or other additional symptoms, have your doctor check for infection.

Thanks for visiting DocChat! If you have any questions or concerns feel free to sign up today for a video consultation with one of our highly qualified DocChat Physicians.