Demographics of Hearing Loss

Chester County Demographics

Demographics and Vital Statistics for
Deaf/HOH individuals in Chester County
  • The population of Chester County in 2000 was 433,501 people.  This is an increase of 57,105 (15.2%) from 1990 – the second largest among all counties in Pennsylvania.
  • Chester County is the 7th most populated county in the State based on the 2000 Census.
  • Based on the 2000 Census information, the County has the highest income levels in Pennsylvania.
  • In 2000, there were almost 60,000 people 62 years of age and older living in Chester County.
  • Hearing loss is the number one disability in the world.
  • One in every ten (28 million) Americans has hearing loss.  As baby boomers reach retirement age starting in 2010, this number is expected to rapidly climb and nearly double by the year 2030.
  • Of the 28 million Americans with hearing loss, 25% currently use hearing aids, 30% can’t afford hearing aids, 33% deny or hide hearing loss, 7% are unaware of their hearing loss and 5% require medical or surgical treatment.  (National Center on Hearing Assessment and Management)
  • The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age, up to 1 in 3 over age 65.  Most hearing losses develop over a period of 25-30 years.
  • 65% of people with hearing loss are under 65 years of age according to the MarkeTrak data (2004)
  • Among seniors, hearing loss is the second most common complaint and the third most prevalent, but treatable disabling condition, behind arthritis and hypertension.
  • Communication skills are central to a successful life for all Americans.  Communication disorders have a major effect on education, employment and the well-being of Americans.
  • There is no national surveillance system for hearing loss.
  • Deafness or hearing loss may be caused by genetic factors, noise or trauma, sensitivity to certain drugs or medications and viral or bacterial infections.
  • Everyday in the United States, approximately 1 in 1,000 newborns is born profoundly deaf with another 2 to 3 out of 1,000 babies born with partial hearing loss, making hearing loss the number one birth defect in America.