LINDA J. DINDZANS, MD Office: 414-536-7000
JODI M. KORNAK, MD, MS,
FACS
Fax: 414-536-7001
Prevalence and Incidence of Hearing Loss in Adults
v
About 28 million people in the
v 4.6% of individuals between the ages of 18 and 44 years old have hearing loss.
v 14% of individuals between the ages of 45 and 64 years old have hearing loss.
v 54% of the population over 65 years old has hearing loss.
v 23% of individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 years old have hearing loss.
v 31% of the population over the age of 75 has hearing loss.
v Hearing loss is the 3rd most prevalent chronic condition in the older population.
Signs of Hearing Loss
v Asking others to repeat themselves or to speak up
v Difficulty understanding children's voices
v Turning up the volume levels on the TV, radio or stereo
v Turning the head to on side while listening to sounds or speakers
v Avoiding social gatherings/church
v Misinterpreting a spoken message
v Difficulty following conversation in a crowded room or restaurant
v Trouble hearing on the telephone
v Speaking loudly
Psychosocial Implications of Hearing loss
v Depression
v Anxiety
v Paranoia
v General insecurity
v Denial
v Social isolation
v Mistrust of social contacts
v Altered or lowered self-concept, image or esteem
v Reduced independence
v Loneliness
v Diminished quality of life, with less happiness and a poorer sense of well being
Information from NCOA and
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association