- Clinic Locator: Find a Lifestyle Hearing Clinic in your area
-
Our easy-to-use map makes it simple to find the right Lifestyle Hearing member in your area!
- Lifestyle News: Recent Posts
- Gordie Howe visits one of the Lifestyle Hearing Network clinics.
News
« Back to News & Press Releases
Significant Increase in the Prevalence of Hearing Loss in American Children: 1 in 5 Adolescents with Hearing Loss
A study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that as many as 1 in 5 American adolescents have hearing loss. Researchers compared hearing test data of American adolescents collected from 1988-94 to hearing test data of American adolescents collected from 2005-2006. Results indicated a significant increase in the prevalence of any kind of hearing loss jumping from 14.9% to 19.5%.
In practical terms 1 in 5 US adolescents aged 12-19 years had some degree of hearing loss. While the majority of the documented hearing losses were mild, the link between slight to mild hearing loss and the potential for reduced scholastic/academic achievement, reduced social skill development, and poorer self-image has been well established.
The study also indicated that the hearing losses tended to be more high frequency in nature and were more commonly unilateral. Often times, unilateral or milder hearing losses tend to go unnoticed because the patient has a range where hearing is normal. By controlling a number of variables, including history of ear infections and noise exposure, the researchers were unable to determine the reasons for the increase in hearing loss. It should be noted, however, that a serious concern surrounding the impact of increased noise exposure, through devices like personal music players, still exists.
Although no such studies have been conducted in Canada, hearing professionals are expecting the same results on this side of the border: “adolescents in the U.S. and Canada have similar cultures, and as a consequence they share similar listening situations. Annual hearing assessments can ensure any hearing loss is detected early and the appropriate actions are taken” Jeff Geigel, President of Helix Hearing Care Centre, says.
To book your hearing test contact your Helix Hearing Care Centre at call 877-685-5327 or visit www.helixhca.com.
The complete study can be accessed via the JAMA website: www.jama.ama-assn.org with the following reference: JAMA. 2010; 304(7):772-778.