All about Hearing Loss
Facts:
- Age 60+ — 3 in 10 have hearing loss.
- Baby boomers, ages 41-59 — 1 in 6 have a hearing problem.
- Generation Xers, ages 29-40 — 1 in 14 already have a hearing loss.
- Age 18 or younger — at least 14 million already have hearing problems.
- Infants — 3 in 1,000 are born with severe to profound hearing loss.
Did you know?
- Aging is the most common cause of hearing loss.
- A study by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging researchers suggests seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing.
- Exposure to loud or continuous noise may accelerate hearing loss.
- Infection in the outer or middle ear may cause permanent or temporary.
- Ear wax blockage can cause decreased hearing.
- There is link between some medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular and hearing loss
- Trauma, especially involving a skull fracture or punctured eardrums can cause hearing loss.
- Some diseases and syndromes can cause diminished hearing.
- Smoking may act as a toxin, harm blood flow to the cochlea, or change blood consistency. Decreasing or quitting smoking may prevent or delay age-related hearing loss.
- Risk for hearing loss is increased by diseases that result in blocked blood flow, including atherosclerosis , problems with blood clots, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and collagen vascular diseases
Signs of decrease in hearing:
- Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
- Trouble hearing in noisy environments, such as a restaurant.
- Perception that people are not speaking clearly or mumbling.
- Complaints by others that the TV is too loud.
Please refer to Audiology services for more information.