Hearing loss is presently 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 think of severe hearing loss, ideas of elderly people might come to mind. But over the past few years, there has been a spike in hearing loss with all age groups. Increased hearing loss among all ages further demonstrates that hearing loss isn’t an “aging problem,” but a growing epidemic.
With adults 20 and older, researchers predict that hearing loss will increase by 40%. The healthcare network views this as a serious public health issue. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one out of five individuals is already suffering from hearing loss so extreme it makes communication challenging.
Hearing loss is increasing amongst all age groups and here is why experts think that is.
Added Health Issues Can be The Consequence of Hearing Loss
It’s a horrible thing to have to go through serious hearing loss. Normal communication becomes challenging, aggravating, and fatiguing. Individuals can frequently disengage from their family and friends and stop doing the things they love. When you’re enduring severe 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 also more likely to develop the following
- Anxiety
- Other acute health conditions
- Depression
- Injuries from recurring falls
- Dementia
- Cognitive decline
They’re also more likely to have difficulties with their personal friendships and may have challenges getting basic needs met.
Individuals who suffer from hearing loss are impacted in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Needs for public assistance
- Healthcare costs
- Disability rates
- Accident rates
- Insurance rates
These factors demonstrate that hearing loss is a major obstacle we should combat as a society.
What’s Contributing to Increased Hearing Loss Across Multiple Ages?
There are a number of factors causing the present increase in hearing loss. One factor is the increased occurrence of common conditions that can cause hearing loss, such as:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
More individuals are dealing with these and associated conditions at earlier ages, which contributes to further hearing loss.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a great deal to do with lifestyle. Exposure to loud sounds is more common, particularly in recreation areas and work environments. Modern technology is often loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other sounds in more places. It’s often the younger age groups who have the highest amount of noise exposure in:
- Shooting ranges
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Gyms
- Factories
Also, many people are turning the volume of their music up to harmful volumes and are wearing earbuds. And a greater number of people are now using painkillers, either to treat chronic pain or recreationally. Opiates, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen will raise your chance of hearing loss particularly if taken over a long period of time.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Crisis Being Dealt With by Society?
Local, national, and world organizations have taken notice. They’re educating the public as a step to slow this growing trend with the following:
- Treatment options
- Risk factors
- Prevention
- Research
Individuals are being urged by these organizations to:
- Have their hearing tested earlier in their lives
- Wear their hearing aids
- Know their degree of hearing loss risk
Hearing loss will worsen with any delay in these measures.
Scientists, healthcare providers, and government organizations are trying to find solutions. Hearing aid associated costs are also being tackled. State-of-the-art hearing technology will be increased and lives will be significantly improved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to create in depth strategies. They are incorporating awareness, education, and health services to lower the risk of hearing loss in underserved groups.
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 decrease resident’s noise exposure and instruct them on what safe levels of noise are. Additionally, they are furthering research on how opiate use and abuse can raise the risk of hearing loss.
Can You do Anything?
Keep yourself informed as hearing loss is a public health issue. Take steps to slow the development of your own hearing loss and share practical information with others.
Have your own hearing examined if you suspect you are suffering from hearing loss. If you learn you need hearing aids, make sure you wear them.
Preventing hearing loss is the main goal. You’re helping other people who are dealing with hearing loss understand that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re bringing awareness about the issue of hearing loss in your community. Policies, actions. and attitudes will then be changed by this awareness.