Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from hearing loss.
Source: National institutes of health
Source: National institute on deafness and other communication disorders
Why is it important to solve hearing problems?
Hearing loss is one of these most common disabilities in the country, affecting nearly 40 million Americans. The effects of hearing loss can mean more than just missing out on music, the sound of laughter, movie dialog, and the voices of loved ones. There are many health side effects to hearing loss as well. Left untreated, hearing loss can increase the risk of dementia, and lead to depression, paranoia, lower income, and social isolation. This is why it is important for people to have their hearing checked every year so they can establish a baseline and be prepared to notice any small changes in their hearing as they age.
Projection of the need for hearing aids
Hearing loss is starting at a younger age than ever before; an estimated 60% of people with a hearing loss are below the retirement age. Only 1 in 5 hearing-impared people have received help for their hearing loss. Out of the hearing-impared population, 95% can be successfully treated with hearing aids.
Groundbreaking research proves use of hearing aids reduces risk of cognitive decline:
“This is the first time there is evidence that people who have hearing loss, but use hearing aids are no more at risk of cognitive decline than people with normal hearing. The hearing aids act as a protective mechanism against a more accelerated loss of cognition...”
Five unexpected links to hearing loss:
Age. Exposure to loud noise. Earwax buildup. You might recognize those as some typical causes ofhearing loss, but hearing loss can also occur in some unexpected ways. Here are five you might not suspect:
- Diabetes
- Antibiotics
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Stress