Don't be in the dark about hearing loss.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 15 percent of American adults (over 37.5 million people) report some trouble hearing. And by age 65, nearly 25 pecent of people have disabling hearing loss.
Thanks to advances in technology, there are a number of devices that can help make daily life easier than ever before.
What Causes Hearing Loss
Every case of hearing loss is different. It can occur quickly or slowly over time, and there are a number of common factors that can trigger the development of hearing loss. Common causes may include:
- Issues with ear structures
- Infection or virus
- Impacted earwax
- Head trauma
- Exposure to loud sound
- Perforated eardrum
- Natural aging
Living with Hearing Loss
Those living with hearing loss typically work, go to school and lead active lives. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, 60 percent of people with hearing loss are either in the workforce or educational settings. The CDC reported that 71 percent of young adults (ages 21-25) with hearing loss are employed.
Hearing Loss Assistive Technology
Given that hearing loss is a reality for millions of Americans, companies and researchers continue to turn their efforts to developing technology that can make everyday tasks simpler.
For many years, hearing aids have been one of the most common devices used to assist those who live with hearing loss.
According to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 42 percent of adults 70 years of age or older have used hearing aids. These tools continue to improve with technological advancements.
Another common device is a CapTel captioned telephone. A Harris Poll found that 88 percent of those with hearing loss sometimes miss a word or two during a conversation – and 67 percent have had trouble holding conversations in noisy locations.
Captioned Phones Make Life Easier
Captions help alleviate the stress of talking over the phone when you have hearing loss. They’re as easy to use as a traditional telephone, and can be an important way to connect with friends and family and regain independence.
In a report to the Federal Communications Commission, 90 percent of captioned telephone users said that their device is “important” or “very important” to holding a conversation. In fact, more than 55 percent of respondents said that using a phone without captions would not be possible.