Hearing Loss

Common Hearing Loss Causes According to Your NWA Audiologist

Why many people suffer from hearing loss

The latest available statistics show that over 10% of the U.S. population reports difficulty hearing! That's more than 31 million people! And as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, that number promises to increase dramatically!


Are you one of those millions of people who does not hear as well as they once did? If so, you are certainly not alone. Consider these statistics reported by Sergei Kochkin, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Better Hearing Institute:

Hearing Loss Statistics and Facts

  • 3 in 10 people over age 60 have hearing loss
  • 1 in 6 baby boomers (ages 41-59), or 14.6%, have a hearing problem
  • 1 in 14 Generation Xers (ages 29-40), or 7.4%, already have hearing loss
  • At least 1.4 million children (18 or younger) have hearing problems
  • It is estimated that 3 in 1,000 infants are born with serious to profound hearing loss.

Studies have linked untreated hearing loss to emotional, physical, mental, psychological and even economic disadvantages! 

And, to make matters even worse, there are many "myths" about hearing loss that prevent those with hearing loss from doing anything about it.

Dr. Magee has always cheerfully adjusted hearing instruments until they are perfect for you. She also donates her valuable time for community hearing screenings as well as equipment check ups, cleaning, and repairs as needed. I highly recommend her services!!

Norma Staley

Main causes of Hearing Loss

The primary causes of hearing loss are:

 

  • Exposure to noise
  • Family history of hearing loss
  • Medicine
  • Aging process
  • Disease
  • Head trauma

 

Common Types of Hearing Loss

    There are four types of hearing loss:

 

  • Conductive : This could be caused by something as simple as earwax buildup!
  • Sensorineural : This is caused when tiny hairs in the cochlea are missing or damaged.
  • Mixed : This is a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Central : Strokes and central nerve diseases are often the cause of this type of hearing loss.

 

"The majority (65%) of people with hearing loss are younger than 65 and six million people in the U.S. between 18 and 44 suffer from hearing loss (Better Hearing Institute website)."

 Want to learn more?

Click to learn what happens during a hearing test appointment.
Click to learn about digital hearing instruments.
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