Hearing loss is currently a public health issue and scientists believe that it will become a lot more common for individuals in their 20’s to be wearing hearing aids.
When you consider severe hearing loss, ideas of elderly people may come to mind. But all age groups have had a recent rise in hearing loss over the past few years. Hearing loss clearly isn’t an aging issue it’s a growing crisis and the rising instances among all age groups demonstrates this.
Among adults 20 and older, researchers forecast that hearing loss will rise by 40%. This is viewed as a public health issue by the healthcare community. One out of five people is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating because of severe hearing loss.
Hearing loss is increasing amongst all age groups and here is why experts think that is.
Hearing Loss Can Cause Additional Health Concerns
It’s a horrible thing to have to go through serious hearing loss. Everyday communication becomes challenging, aggravating, and exhausting. It can cause individuals to stop doing what they enjoy and disengage from family and friends. When you’re suffering from significant hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without seeking help.
Individuals who have untreated hearing loss have problems with more than diminished hearing. They’re also more likely to develop the following
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Other serious health problems
- Anxiety
- Dementia
They’re also more likely to have difficulties with their personal friendships and may have challenges getting basic needs met.
people who suffer from hearing loss are affected in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Healthcare costs
- Disability rates
- Needs for public support
- Accident rates
- Insurance costs
We need to combat hearing loss as a society because as these factors show, hearing loss is a real challenge.
Why Are Numerous Age Groups Encountering Increased Hearing Loss?
The recent increase in hearing loss can be attributed to a number of factors. One factor is the increased occurrence of common diseases that can lead to hearing loss, including:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Obesity
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
More individuals are dealing with these and related conditions at earlier ages, which leads to further hearing loss.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a lot to do with lifestyle. In recreational and work areas in particular, it’s becoming more common to be exposed to loud sound. Modern technology is often loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other noises in more places. It’s often the younger age groups who have the highest amount of noise exposure in:
- Shooting ranges
- Factories
- Gyms
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
Additionally, many people are choosing to use earbuds and turn their music up to harmful volumes. And more people are managing pain with painkillers or taking them recreationally. Continued, frequent use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been linked to an increased risk of hearing loss.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Issue Being Dealt With by Society?
Local, national, and world organizations have taken notice. They’re educating the public as a step to reduce this rising trend with the following:
- Treatment options
- Prevention
- Risk factors
- Research
Individuals are being urged by these organizations to:
- Get their hearing examined sooner in their lives
- Recognize their level of hearing loss risk
- Wear their hearing aids
Any delays in these actions make the affect of hearing loss a lot worse.
Scientists, healthcare providers, and government organizations are seeking solutions. They’re also pursuing ways to bring hearing-loss associated costs down. This will help improve accessibility to advanced hearing technologies that significantly enhance lives.
Broad approaches are being formulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. Lowering the danger of hearing loss in underserved groups is being addressed with health services, education, and awareness.
Local leaders are being made aware of the health impact of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They work with communities to minimize resident’s noise exposure and teach what safe levels of noise are. They’re also pushing forward research into how hearing loss is increased with the use and abuse of opiates.
What You Can do?
Hearing loss is a public health issue so stay informed. Share beneficial information with other people and take action to slow the advancement of your own hearing loss.
If you think you might be dealing with hearing loss, get a hearing exam. If you learn you need hearing aids, be sure to wear them.
Avoiding hearing loss is the main goal. You’re helping others who have hearing loss realize that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. This awareness has the power to transform attitudes, policies, and actions.
