Hearing limitations among U.S. adults 1997-2016, by location

Prior to 2007 data, respondents were asked, "Which statement best describes your hearing without a hearing aid: good, a little trouble, a lot of trouble, or deaf?" In this analysis, a lot of trouble and deaf are combined into one category. Starting with 2007 data, the question was revised to expand the response categories. Respondents were asked, "Which statement best describes your hearing without a hearing aid: excellent, good, a little trouble, moderate trouble, a lot of trouble, or deaf?" For 2007 and beyond, a lot of trouble and deaf are combined into one category. The decline from 2006 to 2007 in the estimate of those with hearing trouble is likely due to the addition of the "moderate trouble" response category. Data prior to 2007 are not comparable with 2007 and later data due to the revised question. In 2006, 0.3% of adults 18 years of age and over identified themselves as deaf; in 2007, 2008, and 2009, this estimate was 0.2%.
Estimates are age-adjusted to the year 2000 standard population using five age groups: 18-44 years, 45-54 years, 55-64 years, 65-74 years, and 75 years and over. Age-adjusted estimates in this table may differ from other age-adjusted estimates based on the same data and presented elsewhere if different age groups are used in the adjustment procedure.
Values not included in the pdf version of the report were taken from the Health, United States, trend tables.
* MSA is metropolitan statistical area. Starting with 2006 data, MSA status is determined using 2000 census data and the 2000 standards for defining MSAs.