The Severely to Profoundly Hearing-Impaired Population in the United States: Prevalence Estimates and Demographics

This study informs policy makers and third-party payers of the prevalence and characteristics of the severely to profoundly hearing-impaired population in the United States. Nationally representative data were used for estimations in consultation with an expert advisory panel. The prevalence of severe to profound hearing impairment among the US population ranges from 464,000 to 738,000, with 54 percent of this population over age 65 years. Persons with hearing impairment are more likely to be publicly insured, less likely to have private insurance, have lower family incomes, are less educated, and are more likely to be unemployed than the general population. Approximately half a million Americans are severely to profoundly hearing impaired and appear to be more vulnerable, both financially and educationally, as compared to the US population. As a result, access to medical and technological interventions that may assist their hearing loss may be limited.