Are you looking for some facts and statistics to finally get a family member or friend to get a hearing evaluation or be fitted for a hearing aid? People often resist seeking assistance for hearing problems, but talking to them about the causes, effects and prevalence of hearing problems may help. Below are some basic facts and stats to help you make your case:

• Nearly 1 of of every five individuals in America have some type of hearing loss – that is 36 million people!
• Women are less likely to develop hearing problems than men.
• The number of Americans with hearing problems has doubled over the past 3 decades.
• Of those aged 65 and older, approximately 13% experience ringing in the ears.
• Many more people could benefit from a hearing aid than actually wear one. Some estimates say there are four additional individuals who could benefit, for every 1 actually using a hearing aid.
• Noise is a key contributing factor to hearing loss. Noise has already caused permanent hearing loss for 10 million people. Another 30 million are exposed to unsafe levels on a daily basis.
• One million Americans have tinnitus that is so severe it gets in the way of everyday life.
• High frequency hearing loss caused by recurring loud noise exposure impacts about 26 million people in the US (ages 20-69). This includes repeated noise exposure from both work and leisure sources.
• Research studies have indicated that those with hearing loss experience it as mild in 65% of cases, moderate in 30% of cases and severe in 5% of cases.
• People with hearing loss delay approximately 10 years before taking any action. Don’t let this be you or someone you love!