Speak Up About Hearing Loss-Speak Up About Hearing Loss

Speak Up About Hearing Loss

Pdf Summary

Approximately 17 percent or 36 million American adults have some degree of hearing loss, although the actual number could be higher since many people are not aware of their diminished hearing. More than 1 million children in the US also suffer from hearing loss. The prevalence of age-related hearing loss is increasing, especially among men between the ages of 35 and 60. Early detection allows for prevention and improvement in quality of life. However, less than 30 percent of adults ages 20-69, and 37 percent of those 70 and older, have had their hearing tested in the past five years. The ear consists of three major sections - the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear consists of the visible part of the ear, the ear canal, and the eardrum. The middle ear is an air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains three tiny bones that transmit sound from the eardrum to the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for hearing and balance and contains the cochlea. There are three basic types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed. Other types of hearing loss involve the extent or quality of hearing. Risk factors for hearing loss include aging, heredity, noise exposure, certain illnesses, and medications. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis offers the opportunity to prevent further damage, learn ways to adapt to hearing loss, and improve quality of life. Treatment options include hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Keywords

hearing loss

American adults

children

prevalence

early detection

quality of life

ear

types of hearing loss

risk factors

treatment options