One in ten say they have a hearing loss
When asked, around one in ten will say they have a hearing loss, according to several surveys. Only a fraction of those who say they have a hearing loss treat their hearing loss with hearing aids or hearing implants.
But not everyone has noticed they have a hearing loss. If a group of adults takes a hearing test, studies have found that around one in six of them will have a measured hearing loss of 25 dB or greater.
A hearing loss can be caused by several factors. One of the major causes of hearing loss is ageing. Another common reason is exposure to noise. Some diseases can also lead to hearing problems.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is sounds in the ears or head which do not come from external sound sources. Almost everybody experiences temporary tinnitus, but many have permanent tinnitus.
Presentation:
Key facts of hearing loss (PP slide deck)
Key facts of hearing loss (pdf)