Hearing Loss in Baby Boomers

Hearing loss may be less prevalent among baby boomers than previously expected.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1/14, Fauber) reported that, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, "baby boomers have lost less of their hearing than their parents." The study, financed by the National Institute of Aging, showed that "actual hearing loss from one generation to the next has declined." In fact, "overall, the baby boomers had 31 percent less hearing loss than their parents." Previous estimates projected "that 66 million Americans would be hearing-impaired by 2030," but "the new findings suggest that number is more likely to be 51 million."