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Transcript: Living with hearing loss

[White text on black background reads: Living with Hearing Loss. Under the text is the Minnesota Department of Human Services Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division logo. Regina Daniels, a Black Deaf woman, is on the right side of the screen. She is wearing glasses and a lavender sweater.]

Hearing loss is more prevalent than many believe. In fact, twenty percent of Americans have hearing loss, including half of people over age 75. This number is increasing as the population ages, veterans return from military deployment with hearing loss, and through exposure to extremely loud noises. 

Hearing loss is considered a communication disorder because it affects a person’s ability to gather information and communicate with others. 

Each person experiences hearing loss differently. 

Hearing loss can happen at any time. It can be present at birth or occur gradually as part of the aging process. It can be progressive or occur suddenly. It has many causes including premature birth, medication side effects, or illness. 

Hearing loss ranges from mild to profound depending on the amount of hearing a person is able to access. 

It’s important to recognize that hearing loss doesn’t mean silence. Over 45 million people live with tinnitus or ringing in their ears. Hearing loss also can cause dizziness or vertigo and balance issues. 

Combined hearing and vision loss is relatively rare, affecting between 1,000 and 1,600 Minnesotans out of the state’s total population of 5.6 million. 

D H H S D is here to help you find the resources you need to live, learn, and work independently, stay safe and participate in your community. We offer programs and services for families with an infant or child with hearing loss, adults living with hearing loss, seniors with hearing loss, adults who experienced sudden hearing loss or were late-deafened, and children and adults who are deafblind.

The Living with hearing loss section of the website explores issues specific to each group.

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