Scientists believe 20-somethings with hearing aids will soon become more common as hearing loss is a public health issue.
The majority of people think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But all age groups have seen a recent rise in hearing loss during the last few years. Hearing loss obviously isn’t an aging problem it’s an increasing crisis and the rising cases among all age groups demonstrates this.
Among adults 20 and older, scientists forecast that hearing loss will increase by 40%. This is seen as a public health issue by the healthcare community. One in five individuals is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating due to severe hearing loss.
Hearing loss is increasing among all age groups and here is why experts think that is.
Hearing Loss Can Cause Further Health Concerns
It’s an awful thing to have to endure profound hearing loss. Communication is frustrating, exhausting, and challenging every day. It can cause people to stop doing what they enjoy and withdraw from friends and family. When you’re going through severe hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without seeking help.
It’s not only diminished hearing that individuals with neglected hearing loss suffer from. They’re much more likely to develop:
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety
- Other acute health problems
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Depression
- Dementia
They’re also more likely to have problems with their personal friendships and may have trouble getting basic needs met.
Individuals who endure hearing loss are affected in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Insurance costs
- Needs for public assistance
- Accident rates
- Healthcare costs
- Disability rates
These factors demonstrate that hearing loss is a major challenge we need to fight as a society.
Why Are Multiple Age Groups Experiencing Increased Hearing Loss?
The recent increase in hearing loss can be attributed to numerous factors. One factor is the increased prevalence of common diseases that can cause hearing loss, including:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Diabetes
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
These conditions and other related conditions are contributing to additional hearing loss because they’re happening to people at earlier ages.
Lifestyle also plays a major role in the increased incidence of hearing loss. In recreational and work areas specifically, it’s becoming more common to be exposed to loud noise. Modern technology is often loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other sounds in more places. Young people who regularly go to the following places have the highest degree of hearing loss:
- Factories
- Shooting ranges
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Gyms
Also, many people are turning the volume of their music up to hazardous levels and are wearing earbuds. And a larger number of people are now making use of painkillers, either to treat chronic pain or recreationally. Opiates, aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen will raise your risk of hearing loss especially if used over a extended time periods.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Problem Being Dealt With by Society?
Hearing loss is getting the attention of local, national, and world organizations. They’re trying to end this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Treatment options
- Prevention
- Research
- Risk factors
These organizations also motivate individuals to:
- Get their hearing checked earlier in their lives
- Use their hearing aids
- Recognize their level of hearing loss risk
Any delays in these actions make the impact of hearing loss significantly worse.
Solutions are being sought by government organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers. Hearing aid related costs are also being tackled. This will help improve accessibility to advanced hearing technologies that greatly improve lives.
Broad approaches are being formulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. They are integrating education, awareness, and health services to lower the risk of hearing loss in underserved groups.
Local leaders are being educated on the health impact of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They describe what safe noise exposure is, and work with communities to minimize noise exposure for residents. Additionally, they are facilitating research on how opiate use and abuse can increase the danger of hearing loss.
What You Can do?
Hearing loss is a public health issue so stay informed. Share practical information with other people and take steps to slow the advancement of your own hearing loss.
Get your own hearing checked if you believe you are dealing with hearing loss. If you learn you need hearing aids, be sure to wear them.
The final goal is to prevent all hearing loss. You’re helping other people who are dealing with hearing loss recognize that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re helping your community become more aware of the difficulties of hearing loss. This awareness has the power to transform attitudes, actions, and policies.