According to researchers in Germany, it takes seven years for most people to realize they have hearing loss.
The Gutenberg Health Study, a large population-based study conducted by Mainz University, evaluated health data of 5,024 participants in 2023 to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss and the use of hearing aids. Study participants ranged from young adults to people over 80.
Why it matters
Delaying treatment for hearing loss increases the risk of falling, loneliness, cognitive decline, and developing dementia.
- If you have hearing loss, why continue exposing yourself to such life-altering risks when effective treatment is available?
- Regular hearing screenings and early treatment are vital to preserving your hearing ability and cognitive health.
Study results
Hearing loss prevalence:
- 40.6% of participants had hearing loss in at least one ear regardless of severity.
- 22.5% had mild hearing loss
- 8.3% moderate hearing loss
- 2.8% severe hearing loss
- Women had better hearing than men, with an average difference of 4.3 decibels.
Hearing aid use:
- 48% of the participants needed hearing aids for both ears
- Only 7.7% were using two hearing aids, a massive gap
Recommendation: Regular hearing screenings for all Germans starting no later than 60.
The big picture
Hearing loss affects more than our ability to hear what someone's saying. Hearing loss increases the risk of falling, loneliness, cognitive decline, and dementia.
A closer look
Age-related hearing loss sneaks up on you. It's gradual but not benign.
- It starts by robbing you of high-pitched sounds, which include many consonants that give speech clarity.
- Progressively, you lose your ability to understand what others are saying, making the interactions of daily living increasingly difficult, frustrating, and fatiguing.
- Untreated hearing loss is the on-ramp to loneliness and social isolation.
Assumptions, assumptions
Some assume that increasing the volume or asking others to speak louder is sufficient to deal with hearing loss. This is the equivalent of putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg.
- Untreated hearing loss robs your brain of the steady sound stream it needs to be healthy.
- The damage from untreated hearing loss is permanent. One consequence is brain shrinkage — see MRI evidence of this.
Schedule a free, 15-minute hearing screening
Untreated hearing loss threatens your health, so don't guess or delay treatment.
Get a free 15-minute hearing screening by an audiologist to assess your hearing health.
Call 708-599-9500 to schedule yours.
► For facts about hearing loss and hearing aid options, download The Hearing Loss Guide.
Don't let untreated hearing loss rob you of your health and happiness.
