Hearing loss is a gradual process and many people don't realize the extent to which their hearing has deteriorated until others point it out. Hearing loss is the second most common birth defect. Among older Americans, hearing loss is the 3rd most prevalent chronic disorder following hypertension and arthritis. The primary causes of hearing loss are aging and extended exposure to loud noises. Additional causes include infections, certain medications, head and ear trauma as well as congenital or hereditary factors. In the United States, 10% of the population, some 31,500,000 people, suffer from hearing loss. For those aged 65 and above, 40% suffer from hearing loss.

A common misconception is that hearing loss is akin to “turning down the volume”. Most commonly, hearing loss affects frequencies of sound differently. This means that people miss parts of words, making conversations hard to follow. To the person with impaired hearing, much of speech may sound like mumbling.

Hearing loss falls into three main types - Conductive, Sensorineural and a combination of the two. Conductive hearing loss is caused by disorders of the outer and/or middle ear and can sometimes be reduced or corrected by medical procedures. Sensorineural hearing loss arises from problems with the inner ear and neural hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is permanent and usually affects both ears. Sensorineural hearing loss is commonly treated with hearing instruments.

While hearing instruments have proven to be an effective solution for 95% of those who suffer from hearing loss, only one in four Americans who suffer from hearing loss has hearing instruments. Studies have substantiated significant social and psychological benefits from using hearing instruments. Frequently and consistently cited benefits include:

• Increased participation in social activities;
• Improved work and school performance;
• Repair of old and development of new interpersonal relationships;
• Restoration of self-confidence and self-esteem;
• Increase functionality;
• Increased self-reliance; and
• Decreased anger, frustration, anxiety and depression.