Profile -
State Population Data
- Total population of state = 12,281,054 (April, 2000, US Census Bureau)
- Number people over 65 = 1,565,834 (12.3%)
- Number of people under 18 = 3,039,560 (24.7%)
- Total number of people with hearing loss in state = 1,221,914 (9.9%)
- Number of people who are prelingually or culturally deaf = 21,820 (0.2%)
- Number of people who are hard of hearing = 1,134,634 (9.2%)
- Number of people who are late deafened = 65,460 (0.5%)
- Number of people who are deaf/blind ~ 800 ±
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SHHH Chapter Information
- Number of SHHH Chapters in state: 16
- Number of SHHH members in state: 501 (National Members)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Some Demographic data on SHHH members gleaned from the Hearing Loss media kit. This was derived from national readership surveys, but we have no reason to believe Pennsylvania numbers would differ significantly.
Age-wise, membership mirrors the population of people with hearing loss in the United States, approximately 55% are age 61+, 32% age 41-60, 14% age 40 and under.
59% have college or graduate degrees.
Even SHHH members with mild and moderate hearing loss are enthusiastic advocates of hearing aids and other technology. 91% of SHHH members with moderate losses wear hearing aids. 61% of SHHH members with mild losses wear hearing aids, compared with 20% usage among the general population.
49% of SHHH members indicate they use assistive listening devices, such as FM systems, audio loops, infrared, or hard-wired systems. 46% own their own assistive listening devices. Approximately one-fourth of SHHH members use TTYs (text telephones).
Answers to the Question: How is Your Hearing Loss Characterized?
Severe: 42%; Moderate: 27%; Profound: 26%; Mild: 5%.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ DISCLAIMER: This document has been compiled for use by the SHHH Pennsylvania State Office as an information resource. Content is believed to be accurate at time of posting, however, much of the material is subject to frequent change. No warranty of accuracy or suitability for any particular use is made or implied. Information must be independently verified to assure currency and accuracy prior to use. The document should be regarded as a "work in progress". Please report any errors or omissions to Webmaster.
