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Baby Boomer Hearing Loss Study

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA (OCTOBER 26, 2006) – A survey released today at the AARP Life@50+ Conference by The EAR Foundation and Clarity® reveals that hearing loss has become a serious health issue for aging Baby Boomers -- impacting their work and home lives -- yet most are not seeking help.

Download a full copy of the 2006 Baby Boomer Hearing Loss Study (PDF)

This survey is the second phase of a widely publicized study conducted in 2004 by The EAR Foundation and Clarity® that indicated nearly half of the 76 million Baby Boomers in the U.S. are experiencing some degree of hearing loss – more widespread than previously estimated.

The new survey not only confirms the prevalence of hearing loss among Baby Boomers, it reveals that hearing loss is significantly impacting their lives at work, home and while traveling and is affecting men much more than women (62% to 38%).

Some key findings:

• Almost one-fourth (23%) of these individuals said their hearing loss is affecting their success in the workplace, while 25% said hearing loss is affecting their earning potential. The areas of their work that are most affected are hearing and understanding phone calls and conversations with co-workers.
• 40% of the individuals who reported having a hearing loss said that it has affected their home life in many ways, such as having conversations with loved ones. 65% said they have trouble hearing the television. Watching TV with others and social gatherings are the areas that Boomers with hearing loss avoid most.
• More than half (57%) of those with a hearing loss said they often have difficulty hearing on a cell phone

Download a full copy of the 2006 Baby Boomer Hearing Loss Study (PDF)

Download a copy of the 2004 Baby Boomer Hearing Loss Study (PDF)