The study, led by NORC, a research organization at the University of Chicago, estimated that 37.9 million Americans currently experience hearing loss.
Nicholas Reed is an audiologist and an assistant professor of epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University. He said that people in bustling urban environments, such as subway commuters, might endure six to eight hours before facing a risk of hearing loss. In contrast, those engaged in activities such as hunting, where ear protection is often neglected, can experience hearing damage after just a few pulls of the trigger.
Experts emphasize the need for improved access to hearing screenings and specialists in rural areas, where many jobs involve the use of loud machinery. Leisure activities popular in rural regions, such as woodworking, hunting, and riding all-terrain vehicles, also contribute to an increased risk of hearing impairment.
The study further highlights that men face a higher risk of hearing loss than women, with the risk beginning at age 35. This aligns with earlier estimations, and the highest rates are observed among non-Hispanic white people and those aged 65 and older.
Melanie Buhr-Lawler is a clinical professor and an audiologist from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She was not involved in the study but emphasized the unique challenges faced by people in rural areas, where both work-related and leisure activities expose them to higher noise levels. She recounted her experience distributing earplugs at a tractor pull in rural Wisconsin as part of efforts to raise awareness about hearing health.
The study, funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sheds light on the importance of addressing hearing health disparities, especially in rural communities, and underscores the significance of protective measures in noisy environments.
