Hearing Loss Facts

Did you know?...

In the U.S., approximately 48 million adults have hearing loss and 26 million have lost hearing due to noise exposure. Nearly 50% of people over the age of 75 have hearing loss that adversely affects their lives - 25% of those between the ages of 65 and 74.

Age related hearing loss (presbycusis) can be caused by changes in function of the inner ear, hearing nerve or part of the brain that processes sound. This process may also be worsened by other health factors such as noise exposure, diabetes or poor circulation.

Common Hearing Loss Signs...

  • TV too loud for others?
  • Have trouble hearing in noisy restaurants?
  • It is hard to understand phone conversations?
  • Does everybody mumble and have to repeat what they say?

What did you say?...

People with normal hearing may not understand what it's like to have hearing loss. Below is a hearing loss simulation activity:

National Public Radio