Study: Half Of The Nations Baby Boomers Experiencing Hearing Loss

SPRINGFIELD — Half of the nearly 76 million baby boomers in the U.S. are experiencing some degree of hearing loss, according to research done by the Prince Market Research company.

The results of the study indicate that hearing loss is more widespread among baby boomers than previously estimated, potentially affecting 38 million people between the ages of 40-59. Earlier estimates from the National Health Interview Survey by the National Center for Health Statistics indicated 16 million people (20{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5}) in a comparable age group (i.e., between ages 46-64) were suffering from hearing loss.

The new study looked at the occurrence, cause, and impact of hearing loss on the baby boomer population, ages 40 to 59 – those born between 1945 and 1964. Half of those surveyed said they had difficulty hearing at times, but only one of every three (34{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5}) had gotten their hearing tested.

“This study indicates that baby boomers are losing their hearing at a more rapid pace than past generations,” said John Bartolucci, regional director of Avada Hearing Care Centers. “Whether because of apprehension or denial, boomers are not seeking the help they need to alleviate the effects of hearing loss. Hearing loss is a serious yet often overlooked issue, and this study will help bring it into the national spotlight so we can help this generation take the next steps on the road to better hearing.”
More than half (51{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5}) of the individuals who reported trouble hearing attributed their hearing loss to noise pollution. The next most common cause reported was aging (37{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5}). Only 18{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} said their hearing loss was due to a medical condition.

“Baby boomers are the first generation of rock ‘n’ roll,” said Bartolucci. “They have a very active lifestyle and they are used to getting what they want, from careers to family to recreation. This lifestyle lends itself to experiencing an increased amount of noise and that is why we believe boomers have encountered more noise pollution than any other generation.”

Admitting a problem doesn’t necessarily translate to finding a solution. Most of the individuals who said they had difficulty hearing were doing very little to find appropriate care or products to alleviate their hearing issues.

The study indicated that only one in six (15{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5}) individuals have been medically diagnosed. And only one in three (34{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5}) has gotten his or her hearing tested.

Although the survey shows that a large majority is not actually seeking treatment, it did find that most baby boomers are well informed in general about products that can improve hearing.