Facts & Figures About Hearing Loss

About 800 million people around the world are affected by hearing loss. It is estimated that this number will rise to 1.1 billion by 2015 – about 16% of the world’s population. Several different studies show that approx. 65% of people with hearing loss experience mild hearing loss, 30% moderate and 5% severe or profound hearing loss. Only about a third of all people with hearing loss are of retirement age. The majority is of school or working age. Studies also showed that only one in five people who would benefit from a hearing aid actually uses one.

Hearing loss and young people

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According to a British study, 39 percent of 18 to 24 year olds listen to music for at least an hour a day at up to 105 decibels. This means they are subjecting their ears to a level of noise which they should not be tolerating for more than 25 minutes per week. It has been estimated that with this permanent overtaxing there is a danger of developing a hearing loss within about five years.