The researchers found that the number of US adults 20 years or older with hearing loss is expected to gradually increase from 44 million in 2020 (15% of adults) to 74 million by 2060 (23% of adults). This increase is greatest among older adults. In 2020, 55% of all adults with hearing loss will be 70 years or older; in 2060, that statistic will be 67%. The number of adults with moderate or greater hearing loss will gradually increase during the next 43 years.

“These projections can inform policy makers and public health researchers in planning appropriately for the future audiologic hearing health care needs of society,” the study’s authors write.

“Given the projected increase in the number of people with hearing loss that may strain future resources, greater attention to primary (reducing incidence of hearing loss), secondary (reducing progression of hearing loss), and tertiary (treating hearing loss to reduce functional sequelae) prevention strategies is needed to address this major public health issue.”

The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and by the Eleanor Schwartz Charitable Foundation.

Source: JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University

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