By the Numbers
Behind every number is a story—and for millions living with untreated hearing loss, it's a story of missed moments, isolation, and lost potential. Our mission is to change that. These statistics show why early detection, access to care, and community support are more critical than ever.
1
1 in 5 Americans over age 12 has hearing loss
– Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
– NIDCD - Quick Statistics
2
Over 48 million people in the U.S. have some degree of hearing loss
– Source: Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
– HLAA - About Hearing Loss
3
Veterans are 30% more likely to have hearing loss
– Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs / CDC data comparisons
– Also supported by studies in Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
4
Tinnitus and hearing loss are the top two service-connected disabilities for veterans
– Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Annual Benefits Reports
– VA.gov - Annual Benefits Reports
6
Hearing loss is linked to dementia, falls, depression, and social isolation
– Source: Johns Hopkins University – Dr. Frank Lin's research
– Published in JAMA, Lancet, and Hearing Review
– Johns Hopkins Medicine - Hearing Loss and Dementia
7
Over 1.5 million people worldwide have received cochlear implants—but millions more who could benefit still live without access or information.
8
The average person waits 7 to 10 years before seeking help
– Source: MarkeTrak consumer research (Hearing Industries Association)
– ASHA
9
Rural and underserved communities face greatest barriers to hearing care
– Source: NIDCD, HRSA, and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
– SOURCE
10
Untreated hearing loss costs the U.S. economy an estimated $133 billion annually
– Source: HEARING REVIEW
– SOURCE
11
Prevalence in Newborns:
Approximately 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 babies are born with detectable hearing loss in one or both ears.
– Source: CDC
12
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Adolescents:
An estimated 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years (approximately 5.2 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise.
– Source: CDC
13
Hearing Loss in Adolescents:
About 15.2% of adolescents aged 12–19 years have some degree of hearing loss, including both low- and high-frequency hearing loss of at least 16 decibels in one or both ears.
– Source: CDC