Hearing loss is currently a public health problem and scientists believe that it will become a lot more common for people in their 20’s to be using hearing aids.
When you think of extreme hearing loss, thoughts of elderly people may come to mind. But over the past few years, there has been an increase in hearing loss with all age groups. Hearing loss obviously isn’t an aging issue it’s an increasing epidemic and the rising cases among all age groups illustrates this.
Among adults 20 and up, scientists forecast that hearing loss will rise by 40%. This is viewed as a public health concern by the healthcare community. One in five individuals is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating as a result of severe hearing loss.
Hearing loss is increasing among all age groups and here is why researchers think that is.
Hearing Loss Can Lead to Further Health Concerns
Serious hearing loss is an awful thing to cope with. Normal communication becomes challenging, frustrating, and exhausting. Individuals can often withdraw from their family and friends and stop doing the things they enjoy. When you’re suffering from significant hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without getting help.
It’s not only diminished hearing that individuals with untreated hearing loss suffer from. They’re far more likely to experience:
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Other severe health problems
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Injuries from repeated falls
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 affected in their personal lives and may also have increased:
- Accident rates
- Disability rates
- Insurance rates
- Needs for public assistance
- Healthcare costs
These factors demonstrate that hearing loss is a significant challenge we should fight as a society.
Why Are Multiple Age Groups Experiencing Increased Hearing Loss?
The current rise in hearing loss can be attributed to numerous factors. The increased cases of some common conditions that trigger hearing loss is one factor, including:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
More individuals are experiencing these and associated disorders at earlier ages, which adds to further hearing loss.
Lifestyle also plays a major role in the increased incidence of hearing loss. 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. Young people who frequent the following places have the highest degree of hearing loss:
- Shooting ranges
- Gyms
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Factories
Moreover, many people are turning the volume of their music up to harmful levels and are wearing earbuds. And more people are managing pain with painkillers or taking them recreationally. Opiates, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen will increase your risk of hearing loss particularly if taken over a long time periods.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Crisis Being Dealt With by Society?
Local, national, and world organizations have taken notice. They’re doing work to end this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Risk factors
- Research
- Prevention
- Treatment possibilities
Individuals are being urged by these organizations to:
- Know their level of hearing loss risk
- Wear their hearing aids
- Get their hearing evaluated earlier in their lives
Any delays in these actions make the affect of hearing loss significantly worse.
Solutions are being looked for by government organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers. Hearing aid related costs are also being addressed. Advanced hearing technology will be increased and lives will be dramatically improved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to formulate in depth strategies. They are combining awareness, education, and health services to lower the danger of hearing loss among underserved groups.
Local leaders are being educated on the health impact of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They work with communities to reduce resident’s noise exposure and instruct them on 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?
Keep yourself informed as hearing loss is a public health problem. 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. Make sure you get and use your hearing aids if you discover that you need them.
Avoiding hearing loss is the main goal. You’re helping other people who have hearing loss recognize 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 improve attitudes, actions, and policies.