Like many of the five senses, we often take our ability to hear for granted. Losing hearing and becoming deaf can be a devastating experience and it affects more people than you may imagine. In fact, as we all grow older, the likelihood of deteriorating hearing is increased. Find out more about deafness with these fascinating facts!

Hearing problems affect a lot of people. In fact, an estimated 28 million people in America have some form of hearing problem.

Statistics suggest that two out of every 1,000 children in America are born completely deaf or with hearing difficulties.

Some deafness is the result of age. In fact, deafness related to age usually begins at about 50 years of age and 55% of people over 60 years old are hard of hearing or suffering from deafness. In most cases, the only form of treatment is to use a hearing aid.

Noise pollution is now a major cause of deafness. Since 1980, the number of people affected by this – often through listening to very loud music – has tripled. Statistics suggest that, worryingly, 30 million people are exposed to dangerous levels of noise every day.

People who have mild problems with hearing often don’t notice the decline in their hearing abilities. But even when people do recognise it, 42% of people wait at least two years before seeing a doctor.

Even those for whom hearing aids can be a major help don’t always take up the opportunity to be helped. In fact, only one out of five people who need a hearing aid actually wear one.

Loss of hearing occurs gradually over time. The brain adapts to the changes in auditory input, but it does forget the sounds that it doesn’t hear any longer. This is why it’s important to wear a hearing aid as soon as possible, as it’s easier for the brain to re-learn the sounds its forgotten.

Hearing aids can’t restore hearing completely. However, they’re a really useful aid in helping people to hear clearly again.

About 4,000 people in America suddenly lose their hearing each year.

Overall, hearing loss seems to occur more in men in America than it does in women.