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FACTS AND FIGURES
There are about 800 million people around the world who are affected by hearing loss. It is estimated that this number will rise to 1.1 billion by the year 2015, which is about 16% of the world's population. Only about one third of all people with hearing loss are of retirement age, and only 20% of those who would benefit from hearing aids actually use them. On average, people with hearing loss wait about ten years before they do something to help themselves.
TYPES OF HEARING LOSS
There are three areas of the ear where hearing loss can occur. Typical problems with the outer ear include wax plugs and infections in the ear canal. The middle ear can have inflammation, fluid behind the eardrum, perforated eardrums and otosclerosis (a hardening of the bones in the middle ear). Most problems affecting the outer and middle ear can be treated by a physician with medicine or surgery. These types of hearing losses are called conductive losses because they affect the conduction of sound. Most hearing loss concerns the inner ear. The most common cause is the natural aging process. In this instance, the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that transmit sound to the auditory nerve are damaged. Typically, this type of hearing loss, called a sensorineural loss, cannot be treated medically, however, hearing aids are quite effective.
CONSEQUENCES OF HEARING LOSS
Hearing loss can affect all aspects of everyday life. Conversations with others, watching television, and talking on the phone are some of the most common problems. In many cases, people will become isolated from others and their quality of life can diminish significantly. Studies have shown that people with hearing loss who do not use hearing aids experience more sadness, fear and anxiety than those who do use hearing aids. They reduce their social activities, become emotionally unstable and can have trouble concentrating. Studies have also found that once someone begins using hearing aids, their family relationships improve, they have more self-confidence and are more independent. If a hearing loss is not treated, it can result in being tired, having headaches, dizziness and stress.
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