Hearing Loss – Facts and Figures

Hearing loss is a mystery to most people. Many people seem to feel that hearing loss is something that affects older people only. Whilst hearing loss is mainly felt with age it does affect younger people too and for a number of reasons.

At DIGIClear we are keen to promote the fact that hearing loss affects a wide range of people and that hearing systems are beneficial for lots of people who want to enhance their social lives not just aid a disability. Below we have put some basic facts and figures on hearing loss and why we are affected by hearing loss.

Main causes of Hearing Loss

Presbyacusis – Aging!
This generally means wear and tear. Our hearing system doesn't reach 65 years of age and decide to retire. An accumulation of many of the other causes noted below over the course of our lives contribute to an inevitable hearing loss as we age!
Noise Damage
Without doubt the biggest contributor to an age induced loss and also a growing cause for early onset hearing loss. The vibrations caused by loud noise slowly damage the delicate nerve endings in your inner ear. Quite often, damage incurred early in life leads to hearing loss in later life.
Medical concerns
Hearing loss can be triggered at any age due to a number of medical related issues. These can be from “acquired” conditions such as ear infections or a condition called Meniere’s which affects hearing and balance, even a bang on the head. They can also take the form of genetic conditions such as Otosclerosis affecting the middle ears capacity to transfer sounds through to the inner ear.

As part of a hearing test, we ask questions which can help us to determine the potential reason for your hearing loss. We will always refer to a medical professional if it looks to be in your best interests.

Statistics on Hearing Loss

1 in 7 of the UK population have some kind of hearing loss.
1 in 3 of those over 65 years old have some kind of hearing loss.
Only 17% of those with a hearing loss wear a hearing instrument.
It takes on average 7 years for someone with a hearing loss to decide to get a hearing instrument.

Exposure to 80 decibels of sound for 2-3 hours, 2-3 times per week will cause a hearing loss.