In honor of National Grandparent’s Day on September 10, MED-EL USA released new survey results today that indicate a growing acceptance of conversations surrounding hearing loss. The survey also found that family members and major life events would play a key role in motivating people with hearing loss or difficulty hearing to have their hearing checked. Survey highlights include:

• Nearly half of Americans – 46% – know someone with hearing loss or difficulty hearing, and 64% have had a conversation with that person about it
• 83% of adults said that they would feel comfortable talking with someone they knew if they thought they may be experiencing hearing loss or difficulty hearing, signaling a potential shift in overcoming stigma that has traditionally surrounded hearing loss
• 79% of adults 65 and over said that if a family member or loved one approached them about having their hearing checked because they were experiencing hearing loss or difficulty hearing it would motivate them to do so
• 66% of Americans said that a major life event (e.g., marriage, birth of a child/grandchild, health scare) would motivate them to get their hearing checked if they were experiencing hearing loss or difficulty hearing