Rates of Hearing Loss Declining Among U.S. Adults
According to a study published last week by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, U.S. adults between the ages of 20 and 69 have less hearing loss overall than they have in past decades. The study showed that, in 2011 and 2012, the percentage of men and women with hearing loss was down to 14% (27.7 million people) compared to 16% (28 million people) from 1994 to 2004.
For the purpose of the study, hearing loss was defined as being unable to hear sounds up to 25 decibels, about as loud as a whisper or the sound of leaves rustling.
Predictably, rates of hearing loss increased with age, and roughly 39 percent of people in their 60s had some level of hearing difficulty. Hearing loss in men was found to be almost double that of women, 18.6 percent and 9.6 percent respectively.
Better health leads to better hearing health
The researchers believe this positive trend could be a sign that people are taking better care of their ears, as well as their general health. The fact that there are fewer manufacturing jobs than in the past, combined with more frequent use of hearing protection, means less exposure to hazardous noise for a large segment of the population. The delayed onset of hearing loss could also be due to lower smoking rates and better treatment of high blood pressure and diabetes, all of which have been associated with hearing damage.
Howard Hoffman, lead author of the study and an epidemiologist with the Deafness Institute said that their findings “[…] show a promising trend of better hearing among adults that spans more than half a century.” He added that the drop in hearing loss rates suggests that age-related hearing loss may be delayed, meaning many adults will have a better quality of life, for longer.
Those who were exposed to loud occupational noise for five years or more were found to have a substantially higher risk of hearing loss, as well as those who fired 1,000 or more firearm rounds.
Dr. James Battey, director of the Deafness Institute, believes that in spite of these positive findings, the need for affordable hearing health care will continue to grow as the population ages.
What about the rising rates of hearing loss in teens?
These findings seem to run counter to the public health warnings that hearing loss rates among young people are rising, due to an increased exposure to loud music and the widespread use of headphones. However, for the purpose of this study researchers only polled individuals aged 20 or older, so it could still be too early to detect a spike in hearing loss rates in younger, iPod-wearing generations. Prior research has revealed that 9 out of 10 teens play music at damaging volumes, and as many as 1 in 5 have suffered damage to their hearing.
Study authors call for better access to hearing aids
Earlier this year, a report issued by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine revealed that less than one third of people aged 50 or older who need help with their hearing actually use a hearing aid. The authors of the Institute study weighed in on this issue, calling for better access to hearing devices for those who need them.
They believe this shortage can be traced to lack of insurance coverage, the stigma of wearing a hearing aid, and a limited knowledge of hearing aid options.
Dr. Dan Blazer, a professor emeritus of psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, and the chair of the committee that issued the report, commented on the issue of a blind spot in hearing healthcare. “Hearing loss has been relegated to the sidelines of healthcare. For many people with hearing loss, trying to navigate the health care system to address their issues can be confusing and frustrating and they can be left with no clear guidance on what will best fit their financial, health, social and hearing needs.”
The research carried out by the committee showed that only a few individuals have insurance which covers treatment for hearing problems. Most employers do not provide this type of insurance, and although a few Medicare-managed plans offer these benefits, many only offer coverage for diagnostic tests.
You don’t have to live with untreated hearing loss! Come visit us at Desert Valley Audiology to have your hearing tested today.
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