According to a recent estimate, around 37.9 million people in the United States experience hearing loss. This issue is more prevalent in rural areas and among men than women.

The research, released on Wednesday in The Lancet Regional Health-Americas Journal, is the initial attempt to calculate the prevalence of hearing impairment by state and county. It was conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago and pertains only to individuals with hearing loss in both ears during the year 2019.

Although the study did not provide an explanation for the geographical discrepancy, professionals who specialize in treating hearing loss suggest that two factors should be taken into account: the intensity of loud sounds and the frequency of exposure to them.

According to Nicholas Reed, an audiologist and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, individuals who use public transportation in a busy city may be able to go six to eight hours without risking hearing loss. However, hunters who do not wear protective gear can harm their hearing after just a few shots.

According to professionals, individuals living in rural areas require improved access to hearing tests and experts. This is because many job opportunities in these regions involve the use of loud equipment. Moreover, common recreational activities such as hunting, woodworking, and riding all-terrain vehicles also pose a risk to hearing health.

The research also concluded that males were at a higher risk of developing hearing impairment compared to females, beginning at the age of 35, which is consistent with previous predictions. The most prevalent cases were seen among individuals who identified as non-Hispanic white and those who were 65 years of age or older.

According to David Rein, the lead author of the paper and director of NORC’s public health analytics program, the primary factor that increases the risk of hearing loss is age.

Melanie Buhr-Lawler, an Audiologist and clinical professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, observed the increasing risk to hearing health during her upbringing on a farm in rural Wisconsin. She continued to study hearing loss in rural inhabitants through her research.

“People who live in rural areas have a hearing health double-whammy,” said Buhr-Lawler, who was not involved with the study. “So they’re more exposed to high noise levels through their work, be it mining or farming or other rural occupations, but also through leisure activities.”

For several years, her team of researchers distributed numerous earplugs at a tractor pull event in Tomah, Wisconsin, in order to promote awareness.

The study was funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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