Final answer:
The question directly asks about the prevalence of hearing loss in the U.S., which is not explicitly answered by the supplied reference material. Instead, the references focus on the probability of newborns with hearing loss, effects of hearing loss on frequency perception, and amplification requirements for those with hearing impairment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of how many people in the U.S. have some degree of hearing loss is one related to health statistics. However, the provided reference information does not directly answer that question but focuses on the probability and effects of hearing loss, as well as the required amplification for normal hearing perception. In the case of the probability of newborns with significant hearing loss, if 1,000 babies from healthy baby nurseries were surveyed, the estimated figure is 2 per 1,000. This would lead to the conclusion that the probability of exactly two babies being born deaf in this scenario is the expected outcome, assuming the figures mentioned are statistically consistent across the population.
Regarding hearing loss and the range of hearing, we don't fully utilize our hearing range, especially for frequencies above 8000 Hz, which are less common in everyday environments. When hearing loss occurs, it can affect the ability to hear certain frequencies, for instance, high frequencies with presbycusis. The intensity of hearing loss is measured in decibels (dB). For example, a 50-dB loss means low-intensity sounds need to be amplified significantly for normal perception. The exact factor would depend on the threshold intensity of hearing at which normal perception occurs.