Deafness and Hearing Loss
- Each year, 3 out of 1,000 babies are born Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH), and that number rises to 5 out of every 1,000 by age five. Of babies born with hearing loss, 50–60% have genetic causes.
- More than 90% of babies who are DHH have parents with typical hearing.
- Over 5% of the world’s population, including 34 million children, could benefit from interventions that address hearing loss.
- An estimated 1 in 10 people will have significant hearing loss by 2050.
- Optimal hearing and spoken language outcomes in children are closely tied to early diagnosis and intervention with medical treatment, hearing technologies, and speech and hearing therapy. Early treatment and intervention take advantage of the critical time period of auditory cortical brain development.
- Hearing loss may be mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, or profound.
- People with hearing loss may benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices depending on their unique needs.
- Among those older than 60 years, over 25% experience significant hearing loss.
- Noise and aging are the most common causes of adult-onset hearing loss.
- Adults with hearing loss typically wait an average of 7 years before seeking medical attention.
(Source: World Health Organization, “Deafness and Hearing Loss,” March 2026)
Life-Changing Benefits of Addressing Hearing Needs Early
- Enhances communication skills and supports confident self-expression
- Promotes strong cognitive engagement and lifelong learning
- Encourages meaningful social connections and heightens emotional well-being
- Expands access to education, career opportunities, and personal growth
- Supports balance, safety, and overall brain health, contributing to long-term quality of life
- Strengthens economic participation by reducing additional needs for support and improving employment outcomes