A recent study from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland took a look at the possibility of an epidemic of hearing loss in the United States.
Right now, one out of every three adults in the United States suffers from some degree of hearing loss. I have some hearing loss on the left side from my days in radio — for a long time, I used a broken pair of headphones that only worked on the left. I’d turn the sound up to compensate for only having one working speaker… and I’ve paid for it.
The study team from Johns Hopkins estimates that fifty-five million Americans have hearing loss in one or both ears. Men, people over the age of seventy, and Caucasians are among the most affected. However, hearing loss isn’t just for the elderly! Approximately 8.5 percent of people in their twenties and 17 percent of people in their thirties suffer from some degree of hearing loss. As many as one out of every six adults may have trouble understanding speech because of their hearing loss.
What is contributing to the possible hearing loss epidemic?
- An aging population. We tend to lose hearing ability as we age, and more people are living longer now than they used to.
- Use of personal music players and other electronic devices.
- Not using ear protection when in a loud environment — both in the workplace and recreationally.
- Smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes can all contribute to your risk of hearing loss.
Many people simply ignore their hearing loss. This can lead to problems communicating! For example, my dad has trouble hearing when we’re in a crowded place like a restaurant. When we go out to eat, he usually stays quiet and doesn’t contribute to conversations… because he can’t pick out what we’re talking about. I’m sure it’s frustrating and isolating to live with severe hearing loss!