Statistics

• Nearly 32 million Americans suffer from some form of hearing loss. That’s one out of every ten people and one out of every four people is over the age of 65.
• Approximately seven percent of Generation Xers (ages 29-40) already have hearing loss.
• Hearing loss often develops slowly and can be difficult to recognize. Over half the people with hearing loss first have it mentioned by family members.
• Most hearing loss occurs from excessive exposure to loud or continuous noise. It may also result from various illnesses, genetics, and certain medications. However, it could just be a result of the natural aging process.
• The greatest sound intensity that can be tolerated without impairment is 75 decibels. A typical conversation resides around 60 decibels.
• If left untreated, hearing loss may lead to social confinement, anxiety, and depression.
• Like other medical conditions, hearing loss can be corrected more effectively the sooner it’s recognized.
• Nearly 80 percent of new hearing instrument users gave them a positive rating. This places new hearing instruments in the top third of products and services provided in the U.S.*

*Source: Market Trak report, The Hearing Review, July 2005