Scientists think that 20-somethings with hearing aids will soon become more common as hearing loss is a public health issue.
The majority of individuals think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But over the last few years, there has been an increase in hearing loss impacting all age groups. Hearing loss clearly isn’t an aging issue it’s a growing crisis and the rising cases among all age groups demonstrates this.
Scientists predict that in the next 40 years, hearing loss cases will double in adults 20 and older. This is seen as a public health issue by the healthcare community. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one in five individuals is currently dealing with hearing loss so severe it makes communication challenging.
Let’s find out why experts are so concerned and what’s causing a spike in hearing loss among all age groups.
Added Health Problems Can be The Consequence of Hearing Loss
It’s a terrible thing to have to go through severe hearing loss. Communication is aggravating, fatiguing, and challenging every day. Individuals can frequently disengage from their friends and family and stop doing the things they love. If you don’t seek help, it’s virtually impossible to be active while going through significant hearing loss.
Individuals with neglected hearing loss are afflicted by more than diminished hearing. They’re also more likely to experience the following
- Other severe health problems
- Anxiety
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Dementia
They also have trouble getting their everyday needs met and are more likely to have problems with personal relationships.
people who endure hearing loss are impacted in their personal lives and may also have increased:
- Healthcare costs
- Disability rates
- Accident rates
- Needs for public assistance
- Insurance rates
We need to fight hearing loss as a society because as these factors show, hearing loss is a significant obstacle.
What’s Contributing to Increased Hearing Loss Across All Ages?
There are numerous factors contributing to the recent rise in hearing loss. One factor is the increased incidence of common diseases that can lead to hearing loss, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Obesity
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Diabetes
These disorders and other associated conditions are contributing to additional hearing loss because they’re happening to people at younger ages.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a lot to do with lifestyle. In recreational and work areas particularly, 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. Young people who frequent the following places have the highest degree of hearing loss:
- Gyms
- Factories
- Shooting ranges
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
Also, many people are cranking the volume of their music up to harmful levels and are wearing earbuds. And more individuals are treating pain with painkillers or using them recreationally. Continued, frequent use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been connected with an increased risk of hearing loss.
How is Society Responding to Hearing Loss as a Health Problem?
Local, national, and world organizations have taken notice. They’re doing work to stop this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Treatment possibilities
- Risk factors
- Prevention
- Research
Individuals are being prompted by these organizations to:
- Know their degree of hearing loss risk
- Have their hearing examined earlier in their lives
- Wear their hearing aids
Hearing loss will get worse with any delay in these actions.
Researchers, healthcare providers, and government organizations are looking for solutions. Hearing aid related costs are also being addressed. This will help increase accessibility to advanced hearing technologies that greatly improve lives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to formulate comprehensive strategies. They are combining awareness, education, and health services to reduce the danger of hearing loss among underserved communities.
Local leaders are being made aware of the health affect of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They explain what safe noise exposure is, and work with communities to reduce noise exposure for residents. They’re also pushing forward research into how hearing loss is raised with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so stay informed. Share useful information with others and take action to slow the development of your own hearing loss.
Have your own hearing checked if you suspect you are dealing with hearing loss. Be sure you get and wear your hearing aids if you learn that you need them.
Preventing hearing loss is the main goal. You’re helping other people who have hearing loss understand that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. Policies, attitudes, and actions will then be changed by this awareness.
