Final answer:
The statement that more people suffer from hearing loss than cancer is true. Hearing loss can be due to conductive issues in the middle ear or sensorineural damage in the cochlea, and exposure to loud sounds often causes it. Preventative measures are important since some hearing loss is irreversible.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the prevalence of hearing loss to cancer, it appears that more people may indeed suffer from hearing loss than cancer. The statement that 'more people suffer from hearing loss than cancer' would be True. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent and can affect individuals of all ages due to various factors such as age, genetics, environmental causes, and exposure to loud sounds. Conductive hearing loss involves issues with conducting sound waves through the middle ear, while sensorineural hearing loss is due to damage in the cochlea or the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain. Preventative measures, like reducing exposure to loud sounds and using ear protection, are crucial as certain types of hearing loss are irreversible when hair cells in the cochlea are damaged.
For example, every year, approximately 2 per 1,000 babies born in healthy baby nurseries have significant hearing loss-deafness, illustrating that hearing loss can start from birth. Also, with over 100,000 cochlear implants in use, showing that many seek medical help for hearing issues. Repeated exposure to loud sounds is the most common cause of hearing loss, further suggesting the widespread nature of the issue compared to cancer's incidence.