Of chronic health problems in older adults, hearing loss is the third most prevalent in America. This is 1 in 10 people. It is third only to high blood pressure and arthritis. Here are some facts about hearing loss you may not have known.

The fastest growing group of hearing impaired Americans is the Baby Boomers. They make up forty per cent of the hearing impaired population. And more and more young people are experiencing loss of hearing which often gets worse with age.

The first hearing aids were made in the mid 19th century and were very large. They consisted of large horn shaped trumpets that collected sound and sent them through a long tube that was held up to the affected ear. With the industrial revolution, hearing aids became mass marketed, and improvements were made over the last hundred years to increase their effectiveness while decreasing their size.

There are many causes of hearing loss. Some genetic causes include Mohr syndrome, Hunter syndrome, and Leopard syndrome. There are congenital causes, where a person is born with defects in the auditory system. Certain infections can lead to hearing loss, such as Scarlett fever, Mumps, Measles, and Meningitis. Traumatic causes include a punctured eardrum or skull fracture.

Acoustic trauma is damage to the auditory system in the inner ear caused by exposure to very loud noises, including fireworks, wearing earphones, rock concerts, or explosions. Acoustic trauma usually results in partial loss of hearing, notably the high pitched sounds. This is the type of hearing loss seen more and more in young people today.

When someone is suffering from undiagnosed hearing loss, there are changes in behavior that can occur. Some of these include less social and physical activity, problems in relationships and at work, and the person becoming withdrawn or isolated.

In addition to changes in behavior, there are also some common psychological affects of living with untreated hearing loss. These include: insecurity, frustration and worry, embarrassment, anger, self consciousness and low self esteem.

Recognizing and admitting that a person has a problem hearing can be a very delicate subject. Friends and relatives are often aware of a person's hearing loss before the hearing impaired person is, and bringing up the subject in an untreated person can be very difficult.

Living with a hearing impaired person- especially when they are undiagnosed or untreated- can be extremely frustrating for spouses and partners. This can cause martial or relationship strain. With the hearing loss, communication becomes less spontaneous, and the partners may begin to lose touch with relatives and friends in their social circle.

Hearing loss that is significant enough to require hearing aids affects over 35 million Americans, and yet only 20% of people actually use them. One of the main reasons for this sad fact is the enormously high cost of traditional hearing aids.

The Acoustitone Hearing Aid is a low cost solution to high priced hearing aids. It was developed by an Ear Nose and Throat Doctor and is doctor and audiologist recommended. It is an affordable, high quality hearing aid that is available to most everyone.