Hearing Loss Facts

• Over 31.5 million Americans suffer from hearing loss. That’s one out of every ten people and one out of every four people over 65.
• 1 in 14 Generation Xers (aged 29-40) already have hearing loss.
• Hearing loss often develops gradually and can be hard to notice. Over half the people with hearing loss first have it pointed out by family members.
• Most hearing loss occurs from extended exposure to loud or constant noise. It may also result from certain illnesses, heredity, and various types of medication. Or it may simply be due to our natural aging process.
• The maximum sound intensity that can be tolerated without damage is 75 decibels. A typical conversation is around 60 decibels.
• Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, anxiety, and depression.
• Like other medical conditions, hearing loss can be treated better the sooner it’s caught. Sonus recommends a check-up every two years starting at age 50.
• 77.5% of new hearing instrument users gave them a positive rating. This puts new hearing instruments in the top-third of products and services in the U.S.*

*Source: MarkeTrak report, The Hearing Review, July 2005