Hearing loss is often a gradual and painless process. We don’t realize what is happening because we become accustomed to not hearing the same quality of sounds we were once used to. We just assume people are mumbling or speaking more softly than usual. Hearing loss affects your ability to communicate with family, friends and coworkers, and can often interfere with the activities that you love to do and allow you to enjoy life.

Did you know?

• One in ten people in the U.S. have hearing loss
• Excessive noise is the number one reason for hearing loss
• Only 13% of general practitioners screen for hearing loss
• 65% of people with hearing loss are below retirement age
• 15% of people aged 45 to 64 have hearing loss
• 29% of people over age 65 have hearing loss
• One in four workers exposed to high levels of noise will develop a hearing loss.
• Professions at risk for hearing loss include firefighters, police officers, factory workers, farmers, construction workers, military personnel, heavy industry workers, musicians and entertainment industry professionals

The good news is that actively using hearing aids improves the wearer’s quality of life. There is no longer frustration or anxiety over communicating and engaging in activities.