The population in the United States and many other parts of the world is aging rapidly. Thus, it makes sense that we are hearing more about the best hearing aids available on the market and about all types of hearing aids in general. It has become a hot topic as the average cost of good hearing aids is something that has become difficult for many people to absorb. In other words, there are a lot of people dealing with having to find quality hearing aids even as that becomes a mammoth challenge all by itself.
Affordable hearing aid solutions are not easy to come by as anyone in the predicament of trying to find them can attest to. They are generally expensive or they are of less than ideal quality. Background noise canceling hearing aids are particularly hard to come by as people are interested in those types of hearing aids even more than some of the others. It may seem like a daunting task that none of us could possibly handle, but it just takes a realization that it is going to be challenging, and we have to accept that reality and try to make the most of the situation to get the hearing aids that we need right when we need them. It may take some hard work, but with enough due diligence, they can be found.
Hearing Loss Statistics
Across the globe, hearing loss is considered to be the second most prevalent health issue. It has proven to be even more prevalent than other medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s, combined. Furthermore, it was found that hearing loss in the United States actually doubled between the years of 2000-to-2015.
Here are some basic statistics regarding the number of people suffering from hearing loss:
- Adults 65 and older: one-out-of-three
- Adults younger than 65: one-in-five
- Teenagers: one-in-five
Hearing Loss and Children
In the United States, a large number of children are born with detectable hearing loss in either one or both ears. It has been found that for every 1,000 children born, approximately two-to-three suffer from this condition.
When a child’s hearing loss has been undetected, or if it is left untreated or addressed, it can cause significant learning issues. Children with hearing loss tend to miss up to 50% of their classroom discussions, which can greatly impair their academic development.
The Effects of Noise on Hearing Loss
While loud noises can be irritating and even stressful, over time, they can also have an adverse effect on hearing. For example, it has been found that even 15 minutes a day of exposure to noisy subways can create permanent hearing damage.
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has estimated that approximately 26 million people–or 15% of the United States population–suffers from high-frequency hearing loss. This figure applies to individuals between the ages of 20 and 69 that have been exposed to consistent noise during work and/or leisure activities.
Seeking Help for Hearing Loss
On average, it’s been found that people wait seven years before seeking help for their hearing loss. Furthermore, there are 15 million people in the United States that appear to avoid it entirely.
It’s clear there are a considerable number of adults that could benefit from having hearing aids. However, 16% of adults aged 20-to-29 haven’t used them and 30% of adults 70 and older haven’t, either. Given the lifetime repercussions of profound hearing loss in the United States, which can be up to $1 million a person, this is significant.
Consider Hearing Loss Solutions
When people do make the choice to address their hearing loss issues, there are a variety of hearing aids available. While some individuals may avoid being evaluated for hearing aids due to the anticipated cost, it’s important to note that there are affordable digital hearing aids on the market.
An individual suffering from hearing loss can greatly improve his or her quality of life by learning about available options. Depending on what is recommended, they may choose digital hearing aids, an assistive listening device, or consider other options.
Custom hearing protection is also recommended to prevent hearing loss or to avoid developing additional hearing loss. When an individual works in a noisy environment, particularly in the construction or manufacturing industries, this can make a major difference. Furthermore, for those individuals whose favored leisure activities include loud environments, such as music concerts or racing, custom hearing protection is also recommended.
