Fact Sheets no.
Impaired hearing affects more older adults than any other chronic condition.
Thirty to 50 percent of all older adults suffer a hearing loss serious enough to affect the quality of communication and interpersonal relationships. It is possible to have a slight hearing loss but not experience any interference with daily living. Hearing loss is potentially the most serious of all sensory impairments. Unlike vision loss, it is not easily recognized by others. It rarely prompts empathy and understanding.