Despite the national prevalence of hearing loss, many do not have awareness as to how widespread hearing difficulties are. Below are some quick facts about hearing loss in the United States and how it impacts the way we live.
Many are affected…
1 in 5 Americans experiences some form of hearing loss.
Yet many do not act…
80% of those with hearing loss do nothing to treat it.
But when they do…
It takes the average person 5–7 years to seek professional diagnosis for a hearing difficulty.
Hearing loss is typically caused by:
•
How loud is loud?
Exposure to noises 85 dB and above—like lawn mowers, concerts, and MP3 players
(at full volume)—for 15 minutes or more can cause permanent hearing damage.
There’s no need to wait.
We emphasize the importance of good dental and vision health yet ignore our crucial sense of hearing. Getting in the habit of receiving annual hearing evaluations can help you maintain better hearing, learn better hearing techniques, and set a positive example for those close to you. There is hope—solutions are available—including a new technology that we are highlighting this month. See inside for details!