Hearing aid statistics 2024
Hearing aids are medical devices designed to assist individuals suffering from mild to profound hearing loss. The use of these devices has been shown to improve not only hearing but also overall quality of life and health outcomes, as research shows that hearing loss is associated with increased risk of depression, cognitive decline and dementia.
The 2022 decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids is expected to increase access to these devices in the U.S. Currently, only a fraction of adults who could potentially benefit from wearing hearing aids have ever used them.
Hearing loss is directly correlated with age. While nearly 13% of U.S. adults between the ages of 40 and 49 suffer from hearing loss, that number jumps to 68% for those aged 70 to 79 and 90% for those who are 80 years of age and above.
Jump to insightHearing aids are used by about 7% of U.S. adults who are 45 years of age and older. That includes 8.9% of men and 5.4% of women in that age bracket.
Jump to insightHearing aids could benefit about 28.8 million U.S. adults. However, less than 30% of those aged 71 and older who suffer from hearing loss actually use hearing aids.
Jump to insightThe U.S. hearing aid market is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 5% between now and 2030, in part due to the availability of lower-cost, OTC hearing aids.
Jump to insightGeneral hearing aid statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 7.1% of Americans aged 45 and older use hearing aids. Among those adults, men are more likely to report both having difficulty hearing and using hearing aids. The number of individuals who use hearing aids jumps to 14.4% for adults aged 65 and older.
Hearing aid use is becoming more common in the U.S. Among adults over 70 years of age, the use of hearing aids increased by more than 23% between 2011 and 2018. This increase occurred across gender and racial lines. However, the number of adults living below the poverty line who reported using hearing aids actually fell from an estimated 12.4% to 10.8% during that period.
Hearing loss demographics
Age is by far the most predictive factor for hearing loss. While 1.7 of every 1,000 infants born in the U.S. experience difficulty hearing, that number increases with every decade of life. Nearly 29% of American adults in their 50s suffer from some hearing loss in one or both ears. That number jumps to 45% for adults in their 60s and 68% for adults in their 70s.
Hearing impairment is not spread evenly among demographic groups. Adult men between the ages of 20 and 69 are nearly twice as likely as their female counterparts to have hearing loss. Likewise, non-Hispanic white adults report experiencing hearing loss at higher rates than adults from other racial groups.
The prevalence of hearing impairment in adults who have graduated from college is significantly lower than the prevalence among adults with less educational attainment. This last statistic should not be interpreted to mean that education staves off hearing loss. Rather, students who are deaf and hard of hearing are less likely than their peers to pursue higher education in the first place.
How many Americans could benefit from hearing aids?
Household surveys conducted by the CDC show that about 15.5% of American adults, or approximately 41 million Americans, experience some level of hearing loss. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that 28.8 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aids.
However, only 16% of adults ages 20 to 69 who experience hearing loss report ever having worn a hearing aid. Similarly, a study of Medicare beneficiaries aged 71 and older found that only 29.2% of those experiencing hearing loss have used hearing aids.
Based on population estimates, the number of adults in the U.S. who experience hearing loss is expected to climb to 73.5 million people by the year 2060.
When is it time to get hearing aids?
As evidenced by the statistics cited above, hearing loss eventually impacts most adults as they age. The World Health Organization classifies the severity of hearing impairment based on an individual’s ability to hear sounds at varying decibel (dB) levels. The grades of hearing impairment are as follows:
- Individuals with unimpaired hearing can hear sounds at 25 dB and lower.
- Those with a slight hearing impairment can hear sounds that measure between 26 and 40 dB.
- Those with a moderate hearing impairment can hear sounds that measure between 41 and 60 dB.
- Those with a severe hearing impairment can hear sounds that measure between 61 and 80 dB.
- Those with a profound hearing impairment can only hear sounds that measure 81 db and louder.
For reference, a whisper is roughly 30 dB, while everyday conversation would be measured at about 60 dB. Gas-powered lawnmowers or leaf blowers register about 80 to 85 dB when in operation.
If you are experiencing hearing loss, getting checked by a healthcare professional can help you determine your hearing level. A hearing test is a simple undertaking and usually lasts only 30 to 45 minutes. The results can help you determine whether it is time to get hearing aids and what type of hearing aid might be best for your situation.
How can I get a hearing aid?
In many cases, the first step in getting a hearing aid is to determine your level of hearing loss and the reason behind it. A trip to your doctor or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist can help you determine what may be causing your hearing loss, the level of loss you’re experiencing and whether or not a hearing aid might improve your hearing. Alternatively, now that the FDA has approved the sale of OTC, nonprescription hearing aids, you have the option of purchasing a hearing aid without seeing a doctor.
Next, you’ll need to determine your budget, the style of hearing aid you prefer and which features are most important to you. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare offerings from different providers so you have a sense of everything available to you.
Once you’ve decided which hearing aids to purchase, you’ll likely need some time to get used to them. Trying them out in different environments will help you determine what works best for you.
Types of hearing aids
The primary types of hearing aids available can be broken down into the below categories:
| Type | Average cost (per ear) | Suitable for | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behind-the-ear | $400 to $1,700 | All types of hearing loss | Rests behind the ear; tube transmits audio to earmold inside ear canal |
| In-the-ear | $500 to $1,500 | Mild to severe hearing loss | Sits on ear’s outer portion; easy to put in and take out |
| Receiver-in-canal | $600 to $2,000 | Mild to severe hearing loss | Rests behind ear with receiver in ear canal; connected with wires, not tubing |
| In-the-canal and completely-in-canal | $900 to $3,000 | Mild to severe hearing loss | Receiver in ear canal; discreet appearance |
| Open-fit | $300 to $1,400 | Mild to moderate hearing loss | Sits behind the ear; thin tubing leaves ear canal open |
What about over-the-counter hearing aids?
In 2022, the FDA published a rule allowing the sale of nonprescription, OTC hearing aids. This rule is designed to make hearing aids more accessible to the general public. These OTC hearing aids are generally less expensive than prescription hearing aids and do not require a medical exam or appointment with a healthcare professional prior to purchase.
The average price of prescription hearing aids is between $2,000 and $8,000 per pair, while the average cost of OTC hearing aids is between $600 and $1,000 per pair. Industry forecasts expect the hearing aid market to see a CAGR of nearly 5% between now and 2030. This projected growth is expected to be driven primarily by OTC hearing aid sales.
FAQ
How many people suffer from hearing loss in the U.S.?
The CDC estimates that approximately 15.5% of adults in the U.S. suffer from hearing loss, which is about 41 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That number is projected to increase to 73.5 million by the year 2060.
How many people wear hearing aids in the U.S.?
Approximately 7.1% of people aged 45 and older in the U.S. wear hearing aids. They represent a small portion of the estimated 28.8 million adults who could benefit from wearing hearing aids.
How much do hearing aids cost?
The average price for a pair of prescription hearing aids is between $2,000 and $8,000. For over-the-counter hearing aids, the average price drops to between $600 and $1,000 per pair.
What is the average age for hearing aids?
According to surveys conducted by the Hearing Industry Association, the average age for hearing aid purchases in the U.S. is 60.
References
- Tsimpida D, Kontopantelis E, Ashcroft DM, Panagioti M. “The dynamic relationship between hearing loss, quality of life, socioeconomic position and depression and the impact of hearing aids: answers from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).” Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Lin FR, Pike JR, Albert MS, et al. “Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.” The Lancet. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Goman AM, Lin FR. “Prevalence of Hearing Loss by Severity in the United States.” American Journal of Public Health. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Madans JH, Weeks JD, Elgaddal N. “Hearing Difficulties Among Adults: United States, 2019.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. “Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, & Dizziness.” National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Reed NS, Garcia-Morales EE, Myers C, et al. “Prevalence of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aid Use Among US Medicare Beneficiaries Aged 71 Years and Older.” JAMA Network. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Everett C. “Only 1 in 6 Americans with Hearing Loss Wears Hearing Aids—Here’s Why.” National Council on Aging. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Reed NS, Garcia-Morales E, Willink A. “Trends in Hearing Aid Ownership Among Older Adults in the United States From 2011 to 2018.” JAMA Network. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “2019 Summary of Diagnostics Among Infants Not Passing Hearing Screening.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Hoffman HJ, Dobie RA, KG Losonczy. “Declining Prevalence of Hearing Loss in US Adults Aged 20 to 69 Years.” JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Garberoglio CL, Palmer JL, Cawthon S, Sales A. “Deaf People and Educational Attainment in the United States: 2019.” National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Adults.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Hernandez N. “Hearing Loss Statistics 2024: More Common Than You Might Think.” National Council on Aging. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Goman AM, Reed NS, Lin FR. “Addressing Estimated Hearing Loss in Adults in 2060.” JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- World Health Organization. “Report of the Informal Working Group on Prevention of Deafness and Hearing Impairment Programme Planning.” World Health Organization. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Emery E. “Understanding hearing loss: How do you know if you need hearing aids?“ UCHealth. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- U.S. Food And Drug Administration. “How To Get Hearing Aids.” U.S. Food And Drug Administration. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- U.S. Food And Drug Administration. “Medical Devices; Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices; Establishing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids.” Federal Register. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- Powers TA, Carr K. “Demographics and perceptions of owners and non-owners of hearing aids, PSAPs, and implants.” The Hearing Review. Evaluated March 1, 2024.Link Here
- U.S. Census Bureau. “QuickFacts.” U.S. Census Bureau. Evaluated March 20, 2024.Link Here
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “What Noises Cause Hearing Loss?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Evaluated March 20, 2024.Link Here
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