Hearing loss is common. In fact, it’s the third most widespread health issue in America. Hearing loss is surpassed only by arthritis and heart disease in the way of common health conditions.
According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, about 48 million Americans are affected by hearing loss. That’s a whopping 20 percent of the population.
Not only can hearing loss hinder work performance, it can affect one’s quality of life in general. And it can either come on suddenly or appear slowly over time.
Here are 10 fast facts about hearing loss that you need to know.
1. There’s truth to the belief that hearing loss occurs with age.
Statistically speaking, one in three people have experienced some sort of hearing loss by the age of 65. And almost half of those over 75 are affected by this issue.
When hearing loss is related to age, it’s called presbycusis. This occurs when the inner ear changes with age, resulting in a decline in hearing over time. Though the amount of hearing lost can vary, the actual loss is always a permanent thing.