Summary: A recent survey by Miracle-Ear highlights significant hearing loss concerns among Gen X and Baby Boomers, revealing that many are not taking proactive steps to address their hearing health.

Takeaways:

  1. Approximately 75% of Gen X and Baby Boomers reported experiencing hearing difficulties in the past year, with 21% confirming hearing loss and notable impacts on family activities, mental health, and finances.
  2. Despite concerns, 57% of respondents have not taken steps to monitor or address hearing loss in the past year, with Baby Boomers being less proactive than Gen X.
  3. Approximately 75% believe hearing loss solutions have improved since their youth, and a majority see less stigma associated with hearing aids, though Gen X is slightly more hesitant than Boomers.

A new survey conducted by Miracle-Ear, an Amplifon company, found that the Gen X and Baby Boomer populations (those aged 44-78 years old) have already been impacted by hearing loss to some degree. With more than seven decades of caring for Americans’ hearing health, Miracle-Ear is celebrating its 76th anniversary with the survey and captured data from 1,000 U.S. adults in those two generations. 

Hearing Health Findings

The findings revealed that 75% reported at least one experience with hearing difficulty in the past year, and 21% of the respondents have definitely experienced hearing loss. Additionally, the survey found that 84% of participants say they’re personally concerned about hearing loss, and 99% believe it is important for their age group to proactively address hearing loss. 

Approximately 72% of respondents who have hearing loss say it has impacted their ability to participate in family activities, and a notable number of respondents also report impacts on mental health, hobbies, work, and finances. While these generations are concerned for their hearing health, the majority are not regularly visiting a hearing care professional, citing 57% have done nothing to monitor, test, or address hearing loss in the past year (62% of Baby Boomers and 51% of Gen X). 

“This recent Miracle-Ear survey reveals a significant concern among Americans: the fear of losing independence due to hearing loss,” says Thomas Tedeschi, PhD, AuD, FNAP, chief audiology officer at Miracle-Ear. “This highlights the critical need for prevention, early intervention, and continuous management of hearing health. Practicing good volume hygiene, such as being mindful of the volume when using earbuds, is one way to protect hearing proactively. Promptly addressing hearing issues can help individuals maintain their independence and overall quality of life.”

With advanced hearing technology and smartphone connectivity, Boomers and Gen-Xers see the benefits of hearing aids and are acting much quicker than older generations. In fact, 75% believe hearing loss solutions are now better than they were during their youth. And a 53% majority say there isn’t much of a stigma associated with wearing hearing aids nowadays. However, this drops to 46% among Gen X.

Podcast: Stephanie Czuhajewski on What Keeps Younger People from Seeking Hearing Care

Additional takeaways from the survey include:

  • Approximately 98% of Gen X/Baby Boomers will experience loud noise this summer, most commonly at concerts or festivals (90%), and during 4th of July fireworks (89%). 
  • A majority (56%) have had to ask friends or family to repeat themselves in conversation. Baby Boomers are more likely to report difficulty hearing a grandchild, while Gen X is more likely to report trouble hearing on a video chat.
  • Approximately 87% know others who’ve experienced hearing loss, most commonly their parents, reported by a 51% majority of Gen X. Baby Boomers are more likely to report hearing loss of their spouse or siblings.
  • Approximately 89% of respondents who haven’t had hearing loss yet are likely to seek professional help once they begin to experience problems.
  • Approximately 96% say that lifetime free service is particularly impactful and would influence their decision to seek treatment for hearing loss.

Photo: Dreamstime