Top 5 Takeaways

1. Overall Difficulty: In 2020, 12.3% of adults aged ≥18 years reported some difficulty hearing even when using a hearing aid, and 1.5% had a lot of difficulty or could not hear at all.
2. Age Group 18-44: Among adults aged 18–44 years, 6.0% had some difficulty hearing, and 0.5% had a lot of difficulty or were unable to hear at all.
3. Age Group 45-64: Among adults aged 45–64 years, 12.6% had some difficulty hearing, and 1.6% had a lot of difficulty or were unable to hear at all.
4. Age Group ≥65: Among adults aged ≥65 years, 25.0% had some difficulty hearing, and 3.7% had a lot of difficulty or were unable to hear at all.
5. Trend with Age: The percentage of adults reporting hearing difficulties increased with age.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Nazik Elgaddal, MS, nelgaddal@cdc.gov, 301-458-4538; Julie D. Weeks, PhD

Suggested Citation

QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Have Difficulty Hearing Even When Using a Hearing Aid, by Age Group — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:475. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7112a5

Summary

In 2020, the National Health Interview Survey found that 12.3% of adults aged ≥18 years had some difficulty hearing even when using a hearing aid, and 1.5% had a lot of difficulty or could not hear at all. The prevalence of hearing difficulties increased with age, with the highest percentages observed in adults aged ≥65 years.

Methods

The data were collected through household interviews of a sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population. Respondents were asked if they had difficulty hearing even when using a hearing aid, with response options ranging from no difficulty to unable to hear at all.

Discussion

The findings indicate a clear trend of increasing hearing difficulties with age. This information can be crucial for public health planning and resource allocation to address hearing impairments in older populations. The data highlight the importance of regular hearing assessments and potential interventions to support those with hearing difficulties.

Conclusion

The study underscores the prevalence of hearing difficulties among U.S. adults, particularly in older age groups. Public health initiatives should focus on early detection and management of hearing impairments to improve quality of life for affected individuals.

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