What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss is a partial or total inability to hear sounds in one or both ears. It can happen suddenly or gradually and may be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

Types of Hearing Loss

1. Conductive Hearing Loss
   Caused by problems in the outer or middle ear (e.g., earwax buildup, ear infections, or damage to the eardrum). Sound doesn't reach the inner ear properly.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss
   Results from damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. Common causes include aging, loud noise exposure, and certain medications or illnesses.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss
   A combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Common Causes

• Aging (presbycusis)

• Repeated exposure to loud noise

• Ear infections

• Earwax blockage

• Genetics

• Certain medications (ototoxic drugs)

• Head injuries or illnesses (e.g., meningitis)

• Viruses/bacterial infections

• Comorbidities linked to hearing loss (here is a short, non-exhaustive list)

  • Diabetes

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Hypertension

  • Cancer

Symptoms

• Muffled or distorted speech and sounds

• Trouble hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments

• Frequently asking others to repeat themselves

• Needing to turn up the volume on TV or devices

• Hearing better in one ear compared to the other

Prevalence of Hearing Loss in the U.S.

• General Population: Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.

• Children: About 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the U.S. are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears.

  Older Adults:

  • 5% of adults aged 45–54 have disabling hearing loss.

  • 10% of adults aged 55–64.

  • 22% of those aged 65–74.

  • 55% of individuals aged 75 and older.

• Gender Disparities: Men are nearly twice as likely as women to experience hearing loss among adults aged 20–69.

• Racial/Ethnic Differences:

  • Non-Hispanic White adults have a higher prevalence of hearing loss compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

  • Non-Hispanic Black adults have the lowest prevalence among adults aged 20–69.

Severity of Hearing Loss

• Mild Hearing Loss: Approximately 25.4 million individuals aged 12 years or older.

• Moderate Hearing Loss: About 10.7 million.

• Severe Hearing Loss: Approximately 1.8 million.

• Profound Hearing Loss: Around 0.4 million.

Trends and Projections

• The prevalence of hearing loss is expected to rise from 44 million in 2020 to over 73 million by 2060, primarily due to the aging population.

• Despite an increase in the population, the overall annual prevalence of hearing loss among adults aged 20–69 declined slightly from 16% (28 million) in 1999–2004 to 14% (27.7 million) in 2011–2012.

Treatment Options

• Hearing aids

• Cochlear implants

• Osseointegrated auditory devices

• Medications or surgery (in cases of infections or structural issues)

• Assistive listening devices (like amplified phones, FM systems, ear-level amplifiers)