Study finds lack of awareness in hearing loss

A new study is highlighting the lack of awareness about hearing loss among older adults in the United States.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, only 10% of people are able to properly identify a “normal” range of hearing.

“Unfortunately, the results of the survey really weren’t that surprising. They are important for people to understand, but the fact that they were so underwhelming is pretty much what we expected,” said Sarah Sydlowski, AuD, PhD, MBA, audiology director for the Hearing Implant Program and Associate Chief Improvement Officer for Cleveland Clinic. “We know that patients don’t understand hearing loss and how important hearing really is for overall health.”

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in adults, between 50 and 80 years old.

When hearing loss is left untreated, it can lead to depression, social isolation and poor quality of life.