There are plenty of common and uncommon hearing loss statistics that we want to cover.

I bet you didn’t know that almost 37.5 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. There are several types of hearing loss, even though hearing loss occurs in many different ways. Three common types of hearing loss are:

  1. Conductive Hearing Loss –  This type of hearing loss is caused by your ear not functioning properly. The ear canal, eardrum or the middle ear prevent sound from carrying to the inner ear. Some reasons for this type of loss are due to a wax build up in the ear, an ear infection or even trauma to the ear.
  2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss – This type of hearing loss is most common in adults. It occurs because the hair cells in the inner ear are damaged. Whether this is from noise exposure, chemotherapy, radiation, trauma or simply your genetics, it can be highly .
  3. Mixed Hearing Loss – This hearing loss is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. There could be a problem with the outer or middle ear or in the inner ear or auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss can occur after a head injury, long-term infection.

When your hearing is normal, the sound waves enter your outer ear and cause your eardrum and middle ear bones to vibrate. The sound waves then travel through your inner ear to a fluid filled tube called the cochlea. As the fluid moves through your ear, it sets in motion thousands of tiny hairs that convert the sound vibrations into nerve signals. Those signals are then sent to your brain and recognized as sounds. Hearing loss occurs when there’s a problem with the parts of the ear that you use to hear. Any of the following can lead to severe hearing loss: Age, Loud Noises, Ear Infections, Genes, Autoimmune Disorders, Trauma or Objects Stuck in the Ear.

Hearing loss can affect one or both ears. It can happen suddenly or get worse gradually over time. If you notice a sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, you should call us to have your hearing checked!

Consequeces of Untreated Hearing Loss

While your hearing loss may not directly affect your physical health right away, studies have shown that it can cause cognitive decline. Hearing loss has been linked to depression, a higher likelihood of dementia and social isolation. Read more about hearing loss related to dementia here.

A Johns Hopkins study found that over a 6 year period, those cognitive abilities declined 30% – 40% faster in adults with a hearing loss versus adults without a hearing loss.

Getting Older means a Greater Risk of Hearing Loss

Age and hearing loss often go hand in hand. Hearing loss affects 1 in 3 people over the age of 65. Once you reach age 55, you should get an annual hearing test to stay on top of your hearing health. Sensorineural hearing loss is common in older people, which is why it is referred to as age-related hearing loss. Everyday sounds and loud noises take a toll on your ears, which is why it is a good idea to always be mindful of noise around you. 

Did you know??

Men are more at risk for hearing loss than women! The reasons are unclear, but most experts think it may have to do with the fact that men are more likely to work in a noisy environment and enjoy noisy hobbies such as hunting. Read more about how hunters are at risk for hearing loss.

Call Us for your Free Hearing Test

We would be more than happy to help you on your hearing health journey! Give us a call and we will schedule an appointment for your free hearing test and demonstration of our revolutionary technology. Hearing loss is not reversible, but you can manage it! Our hearing aids are like little mini computers for your ears! Not only has the technology improved, but so has the styles of hearing aids. Some of our most effective hearing aids are invisible or nearly invisible! Call us today 1-(888)774-8095 or request an appointment here.