According to the website ‘Statistics Canada’, hearing loss consistently ranks among the top five causes of years lived with a disability in Canada. It is estimated that 19% of adults (4.6 million) have at least mild hearing loss in the speech-frequency range (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz).
Furthermore, according to the website, hearing loss and tinnitus are quite common among Canadian adults, especially men. But that’s not all!
More surprising facts…
- According to the World Health Organization, globally, an astonishing 1.5 billion people live with hearing loss
- The WHO has stated that the number above could reach 2.5 billion people by 2030.
- In addition to the aging process, hearing loss may also result from hereditary factors, some chronic conditions, noise exposure, ototoxic substances and medications, and even more factors.
- Overall, in Canada three in five adults (60%) have hearing loss (23%), tinnitus (22%), or both conditions (14%).
- There are social and health consequences related to diminished hearing, including embarrassment, fatigue, anxiety, depression and distress.
- The ‘Canada Government’ website published this surprising fact: Overall, 1 in 20 Canadian adults self-reported having hearing loss, compared to 1 in 5 that were actually found to have measurable hearing loss following a hearing exam!
- The majority (79%) of children and youth with hearing loss had hearing loss in only one ear.
- The WHO says, out of the 1.5 billion in the world with hearing loss, more than 430 million (over 20%) of those with hearing loss actually have disabling hearing loss. It’s expected that by 2050, there could be over 700 million people with disabling hearing loss.
- Only one out of every five people who could benefit from a hearing aid actually wear one. (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)
- Over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.
- An estimated 37% of adult Canadians (9.2 million) had experienced tinnitus in the past year. It was bothersome for 7%, affecting aspects of their lives such as sleep, concentration and mood.
This may be a few of the most astonishing facts and figures: An annual additional investment of less than $1.40 per person is needed to scale up ear and hearing care services globally. Over a 10-year period, this promises a return of nearly $16 for every dollar invested.
Please consider all of the above facts when approaching the issue of hearing loss, tinnitus, and our philanthropic obligations.
How will you help raise awareness of hearing loss, tinnitus and the prevention of both?