EarFree resource
Key U.S. and global figures for writers, families, advocates, and anyone looking for a clear starting point. Every statistic links to its original source.
Last updated September 28, 2026
At a glance
These figures are grouped together for quick reference, but they describe different populations and time periods. Read the note beneath each statistic before comparing them.
183,100
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports roughly 118,100 implanted adults and 65,000 implanted children in the United States as of December 2019.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, updated June 13, 2024736,900
This figure reflects registered devices reported by manufacturers through December 2019, the latest global total published on the NIDCD cochlear implant overview.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, updated June 13, 202498%+
Universal newborn screening helps families receive a prompt referral when additional hearing testing is needed.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022 data, page updated January 23, 20256,000+
The CDC reports a 2022 prevalence of 1.7 per 1,000 babies screened for hearing loss.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022 data, page updated January 23, 20259 months
Cochlear implants have been FDA approved for eligible children beginning at 9 months of age since 2020.
Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, updated June 13, 2024430 million
The World Health Organization includes adults and 34 million children in this estimate.
Source: World Health Organization, fact sheet updated March 3, 20262.5 billion
The World Health Organization projects that more than 700 million people will require hearing rehabilitation by then.
Source: World Health Organization, fact sheet updated March 3, 202695.1 million
This figure describes hearing loss broadly. It does not represent the number of children who use cochlear implants.
Source: World Health Organization, fact sheet updated March 3, 2026Almost US$1 trillion
The World Health Organization reports this estimate in 2019 purchasing-power-parity-adjusted international dollars. It describes unaddressed hearing loss broadly, not cochlear implant use alone.
Source: World Health Organization, fact sheet updated March 3, 20261 billion+
The World Health Organization identifies unsafe listening practices as the risk behind this global estimate.
Source: World Health Organization, fact sheet updated March 3, 2026Methodology and sources
EarFree selected figures published by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. The sources are linked directly on each statistic so readers can review the original definitions, methods, and publication dates.
Statistics are reviewed regularly and updated when a primary source releases a newer figure. This page is for general information and does not replace individualized advice from an audiologist or cochlear implant team.
EarFree. “Cochlear Implant and Hearing Loss Statistics.” Updated September 28, 2026. https://earfree.net/cochlear-implant-statistics
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