Hearing Loss Facts & Statistics Find Answers

Hearing loss is more common than you might think, affecting approximately 1 in 8 Americans.¹ If you have hearing loss, you’re not alone.

Schedule a free appointment today and begin your journey to better hearing.

man and woman outside playing with a baby
man and woman outside playing with a baby

Hearing Loss Is Everywhere

Approximately 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss.

25% of those aged 65 to 74 have disabling hearing loss.

50% of those who are 75 and older have disabling hearing loss.

Among adults aged 20 to 69, men are almost twice as likely as women to have hearing loss.

Hearing issues are the most common service-connected disability among American veterans.

Unfortunately, Hearing Loss Often Goes Untreated


People with hearing loss wait an average of 7 years before seeking help.

80% of people with hearing loss could benefit from hearing aids, but only 1 in 4 of those individuals use them.

People with untreated hearing loss earned on average $20,000 less annually than those who used hearing aids or other treatment.

The risk of dementia may be up to five times greater, and the risk of falling three times greater, among people with untreated hearing loss.

Tinnitus Is Extremely Common, Too

An estimated 50 million Americans experience tinnitus (persistent ringing, buzzing or roaring in one or both ears).

90% of those with tinnitus also have some type of hearing loss.

Roughly 10% of the U.S. adult population, or about 25 million Americans, has experienced tinnitus lasting at least five minutes in the past year.

The Problem of Noise and Hearing Loss

About 25% of all workers have been exposed to hazardous noise, with 14% (22 million) exposed in the last year.

53% of noise-exposed workers report not wearing hearing protection.

Nearly 50% of persons aged 12 to 35 years could be exposed to unsafe noise from personal listening devices, and 40% in this age group could be exposed to potentially damaging levels of sound at entertainment venues.
woman wearing headphones

Online Hearing Assessment

Visit any Beltone Hearing Care Center to discover just how simple it is to improve your hearing.

You can also take our online hearing assessment to get a head start on your free appointment—we’ll forward your results to your local Beltone office. The results will help your hearing care professional begin the process of determining your level of hearing loss and which hearing aids are right for you.

audiologist using a computer

Take the Next Step

Don't wait any longer to begin your journey to better hearing. Beltone is ready to help you hear what matters the most to you.

Schedule a free hearing screening with a Beltone hearing care professional to explore your options.

Understanding Hearing Loss

senior man touching button on radio in car

What Are the Signs of Hearing Loss?

The first step on your hearing health journey is to recognize the signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding words or constantly needing to turn up the volume. Watch for these symptoms.
man-and-woman-300x200

Hearing Loss and You

Living with hearing loss can be difficult, but it isn’t something you should feel self-conscious about—hearing loss is more common than you might think.
senior couple hugging outdoors

How Can I Help Someone With Hearing Loss?

If you’re supporting someone with hearing loss, Beltone is the hearing care partner you can depend on for answers and resources.
senior couple working together on a laptop

Hearing Loss Resources

If you would like to learn more about hearing loss, take a look at the helpful resources we have compiled.
old couple on the beach
old couple on the beach

Types & Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing impairment or hearing loss is a perceived reduction in your ability to hear. Your sense of hearing involves several parts of your body working together, and an issue at any point in the process can lead to a problem. Keep reading to learn more about the three types of hearing loss and the common causes.

man holding onto his ear
man holding onto his ear

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a common medical condition associated with hearing loss that is often experienced as ringing, hissing, buzzing or roaring in the ears. If you are experiencing these symptoms—intermittently or constantly—a Beltone hearing care professional can help you get relief.

woman looking out of the window
woman looking out of the window

Impacts of Hearing Loss

Untreated hearing loss has been linked to dementia, depression, falls and other serious health conditions. It can also leave people feeling isolated and make it difficult to participate in once-loved activities. Addressing hearing loss is an important part of maintaining good health.