Hearing Loss Linked to Lower Income in Young Adults

Hearing loss, as well as tinnitus, has been correlated with socioeconomic factors such as reduced income and unemployment (Nadler, 2023). This correlation is even more impactful among minority populations. Jacobs et al. (2025) evaluated differences in employment and income among young adults with hearing loss, tinnitus, or both.

Data for this study came from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (ADD Health). ADD Health conducted in-home interviews of children and adolescents ages 12 to 43 years between 1994-2018.  The authors analyzed data from respondents with self-reported hearing trouble and determined the degree to which they were bothered by ringing, roaring, or buzzing in their ears. 

Results of the data analysis of the young adults, who were initially identified when they were in grades 7–12, and are now ages 22–43, demonstrated that hearing loss has a detrimental effect on income, beginning in young adulthood. Young adults who are minorities and have hearing loss earn substantially less than their White counterparts. The study also showed that the presence of tinnitus was not associated with employment likelihood or potential earnings. Tinnitus was, however, more prevalent among young adults than has been reported.

References

Jacobs, M., Tobener, E. N., & Ellis, C. (2025). Hearing loss and tinnitus: association with employment and income among young adults. Frontiers in Audiology and Otology.

Nadler, D. (2023). Workforce diversity and occupational hearing health. Safety, 9, 23. doi: 10.3390/safety9020023