Blog
Ear / March 2, 2021
In 2007, the World Health Organization designated March 3 as World Hearing Health Day in order to raise awareness to the growing numbers of those suffering from hearing loss and the importance of hearing health care. In 2017, the NIH National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders stated that 48 million Americans suffer some type of hearing loss. And, in 2020, the WHO stated that approximately 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss—34 million of these are children. It’s estimated that, by 2050, approximately 900 million people worldwide (or, one in every 10) will have disabling hearing loss. The numbers continue to grow annually.
During the pandemic, many with hearing loss have recognized hearing difficulties due to masks. These are people who have been overcompensating through lip reading. Some realized they were lip reading but also denied they had hearing loss while others have not recognized the extent of their deficiency until they could no longer read lips.
The Ear, Nose, and Throat Center and The American Academy of Audiology are focused on educating the public on hearing loss, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. For instance, noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable and significant factor; this growing health problem is often unrecognized in U.S. adults, adolescents and children and it leads to a long list of problems including depression, isolation, academic delays, impaired communication and cognitive decline.
As the baby boomer population ages, more Americans are forced to face hearing health challenges. According to the National Institutes of Health NIDCD, approximately 20 percent of American adults aged 20 to 69 have some trouble with hearing and approximately 28.8 million could benefit from the use of hearing aids.
While age is still the greatest factor in hearing loss, many younger people also experience hearing problems due to exposure to loud music and noises including occupational noise. Among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) has ever used them. With adults aged 20 to 69 only approximately 16 percent of those who would benefit from hearing aids has ever used them.
Some signs of hearing loss may include:
School-aged children with hearing loss will sometimes exhibit poor school performance because they can’t understand the teacher assignments or classroom interactions. If hearing loss has been present from a young age, they often don’t recognize the loss and can’t identify the problem.
Our ENT physicians and audiologists are experts in the treatment of ear problems. Our Audiology staff are doctoral level audiologists who provide comprehensive hearing loss services, including hearing assessments, diagnosis, and treatment. The ENT physicians and audiologists collaborate in patient care to provide convenient, comprehensive care in one appointment. We are known for the compassionate care we provide by always going the extra mile for our patients.
As dedicated audiology professionals, we are motived be seeing the positive benefit hearing health makes in peoples’ lives. And we love watching our patients thrive with better hearing! We are grateful that this awareness day was created to shine a light on the significance of hearing loss.
The American Academy of Audiology is the world’s largest professional organization of, by and for audiologists. Representing the interests of approximately 14,000 audiologists nationwide, the Academy is dedicated to providing quality hearing care services through professional development, education, research, and increased public awareness of hearing and balance disorders. For more information or to find an audiologist, go to www.howsyourhearing.org. This release was provided by The American Academy of Audiology.
Wonderful office staff and doctor. Very professional and accommodating. Really care about the patient.
The doctor and the staff were all nice and professional. I was seen within the first five minutes of showing up. I got quality care and review of my concerns.
Actually takes the time to talk to you and figure out your concerns.
