Hearing aids are electronic devices designed to amplify sound and improve communication for individuals experiencing hearing loss. Understanding the usage rate of these devices is a significant measure of public health success and accessibility to care. This rate indicates the gap between the need for hearing assistance and the actual uptake of available technology. Examining this discrepancy reveals the barriers that prevent millions from achieving better hearing health.
The Prevalence of Hearing Loss
Hearing impairment is a common chronic health condition, meaning the potential population that could benefit from hearing aids is substantial. Globally, approximately 1.5 billion people (about 20% of the world’s population) experience some degree of hearing loss. Roughly 430 million individuals suffer from disabling hearing loss, defined as a loss greater than 35 decibels in the better hearing ear.
In the United States, approximately 37.5 million adults (about 15% of the adult population) report some trouble hearing. The prevalence of hearing loss increases dramatically with age. Nearly one-third of people aged 65 and older experience hearing loss, and this percentage rises to more than 40% by age 75 and older.
A study focused on US adults aged 71 years and older estimated that 65.3% of this population segment has hearing loss. The prevalence continues to climb, with 96.2% of individuals aged 90 years and older showing some degree of hearing loss. This substantial need establishes a clear baseline for the number of people who could benefit from a hearing aid.
Current Rates of Hearing Aid Adoption
Despite the widespread need, the number of people who wear hearing aids remains significantly low compared to the prevalence of hearing loss. An estimated 28.8 million US adults could benefit from using a hearing aid, yet only a fraction of this group has adopted the devices. The adoption rate shows a stark difference between age groups, indicating that younger adults are less likely to seek or use assistance.
Among adults aged 70 and older who could benefit from hearing aids, about 30% have ever used them. This rate is lower for younger adults aged 20 to 69, where only about 16% of those who would benefit have worn a hearing aid. This disparity highlights the challenge in encouraging earlier intervention for hearing difficulties.
The adoption rate is unevenly distributed across the severity of loss. Individuals with a more pronounced hearing loss are more likely to use a device than those with a milder impairment. Most hearing aid users are fitted with two devices, known as binaural fitting, which is the preferred standard for treating hearing loss in both ears.
Factors Contributing to Underutilization
The gap between the high prevalence of hearing loss and the low rates of hearing aid adoption is explained by a combination of barriers. Financial barriers are a substantial obstacle for many, as the average cost for a pair of hearing aids in the US was approximately $4,700 in 2023. Insurance coverage is often limited or non-existent, making the lack of sufficient income a frequently cited reason for not obtaining devices.
Social barriers, particularly the stigma associated with wearing a device, also play a major role. Hearing loss and the devices used to correct it are often linked to aging, causing some people to delay or reject treatment due to concerns about appearance. This reluctance can be strong among younger adults.
Access barriers further complicate the adoption process, including difficulty in obtaining professional fitting and follow-up care from audiologists. Non-use can occur even after purchasing a device due to issues like poor fit, discomfort, or not receiving enough benefit in noisy environments. The introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids may address some financial and access issues, but professional guidance remains important for maximizing sustained use.