Are you experiencing noticeable hearing loss? Maybe you miss the doorbell ringing? Perhaps you notice family member frustrations when you ask them to repeat? Or, maybe you can no longer have a side conversation with your spouse when the television is on because the volume is too loud? Whatever scenario you are experiencing, you are not alone in your hearing loss. Hearing loss is very common in adults, especially as we age. Here are the hard facts on hearing loss from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NICD):

  • 37.5 million U.S. adults over the age of 18 report some trouble hearing
  • Nearly 25% of adults aged 65 to 74 have disabling hearing loss and 50% for those older than age 75
  • Men are more likely than women to report having hearing loss
  • 15% of U.S. adults between the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss due to exposure to noise at work
  • 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids

Over 28 million adults could benefit from hearing aids, but the percentage of those that do seek out help is still low. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association found that just 20% of those who could benefit from hearing loss seek out treatment. Plus, on average, those that do seek help still wait over 10 years after their initial diagnosis to purchase and use hearing aids. For many, hearing loss is a natural part of aging. Don’t feel alone in your experience, hearing loss is a common condition that many of your friends, neighbors and family members will experience. Talking with a hearing care professional is the first step to understanding your symptoms and treatment options.