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How Common is Hearing Loss? – Harford County Aegis “Ask a Doctor”

Q: It seems like I know a lot of people with hearing loss. How common is it?

A: Hearing loss is more prevalent than most people realize, and it affects people of all ages. Research shows that 1 out of 8 people aged 12 and older have some degree of hearing loss in both ears, 15% of people between the ages of 20 and 69 have hearing loss due to noise exposure, and 3 out of every 1,000 babies are born with hearing loss. For children, even mild hearing loss can delay speech and language development. For adults, hearing loss has been linked to depression, diabetes, and dementia. In other words, hearing isn’t just about being able to hear, and it’s not something you want to ignore. In some cases, it’s important to treat it. But in all cases, it’s important to have it checked out. If you feel that you or someone dear to you may be suffering from some degree of hearing loss, call our office for an evaluation at 410-569-5999.