We think that this is the ultimate hearing loss infographic:
Hearing loss facts:
- 360 Million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss. The figure could reach 900 million by 2025.
- 33% of the over 65 years of age are hearing impaired.
- 1.1 billion people, particularly young adults aged 12-35 years are at risk of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition after arthritis and heart disease.
Types of Hearing Loss:
- Conductive hearing loss - Caused by any obstruction that prevents sound waves from reaching the inner ear.
- Sensorineural hearing loss - Caused by deterioration of the tiny inner or outer hair cells in the cochlea or the auditory nerve.
- Noise-induced hearing loss - Caused through prolonged exposure to harmful sound (noise) or a sudden brief but intense noise.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss:
- Conductive hearing loss – Earwax, collection of fluid in the middle ear, ear infections (otitis media) and perforation of the eardrum.
- Sensorineural hearing loss - Natural part of aging, head injury, viral infections and medication.
- Noise-induced hearing loss – Listening to extra loud music, certain workplace environment and intense noise like an explosion to the ear.
Hearing Loss Symptoms:
- Difficulty hearing other people clearly and misunderstanding what they say, especially in group situations.
- Asking people to repeat themselves.
- Listening to music or watching television with the volume higher than other people need.
- Difficulty hearing the telephone or doorbell.
- Finding it difficult to tell which direction noise is coming from.
- Regularly feeling tired or stressed, from having to concentrate while listening.
Managing Hearing Loss:
- A hearing test is required to determine level of hearing loss, which could be mild, moderate, severe or profound.
- The most common way to manage hearing loss is with hearing aids.
- Amplified telephones, personal alerting devices and TV wireless hearing aids are also used to manage mild and moderate hearing loss.
- Cochlear implants can be considered in cases of severe hearing loss.
- Speech reading and sign language are useful to manage profound hearing loss
About Hearing Direct
We are one of the world's leading hearing aid specialists. HearingDirect offers a wide range of affordable products, as well as information resources to help improve the quality of life for the hard of hearing. We sell:- Hearing aids,
- Batteries,
- Accessories such as earplugs,
- and amplified devices such as super loud alarm clocks and amplified phones.
