Hearing Loss

Sections

Basic Facts

Normal hearing depends on the health of a person’s:

  • Ear
  • Nerves leading from the ear to the brain
  • Brain

The ear changes the sounds coming into it and the nerves carry these signals to the brain. A person’s brain helps them understand the sounds.

Age-related hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss happens gradually, often without the person knowing it. However, other people may notice problems.

Age-related hearing loss has no cure. However, devices such as hearing aids can improve a person’s hearing. These aids cannot restore normal hearing.

At least 25 percent of adults age 60 - 69 have significant hearing loss and 80 percent over age 80 have this. Hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression, and dementia and falls.
 

Last Updated May 2023

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