hearing loss and deafness
ear, nose, and throat disorders
Hearing Loss
Worldwide, about half a billion people (almost 8% of the world's population) have hearing loss. More than 15% of people in the United States have some degree of hearing loss that affects their daily communication, making it the most common sensory disorder. The incidence increases with age. Although less than 2% of children under 18 have a permanent hearing loss, Hearing Impairment in Children can be detrimental to language and social development. Over one third of people over 65 years and over half of people over age 75 are affected. Most hearing loss develops slowly over time. However, Sudden Hearing Loss occurs in about 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 10,000 people each year in the United States. (See also Ears .) 