Hearing loss is currently a public health problem and scientists think that it will become much more common for people in their 20’s to be wearing hearing aids.
The majority of people think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But all age groups have had a recent increase in hearing loss over the last few years. Increased hearing loss among all ages further shows that hearing loss isn’t an “aging issue,” but a growing epidemic.
Among adults 20 and up, researchers forecast that hearing loss will rise by 40%. The healthcare community sees this as a significant public health issue. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one out of five individuals is currently experiencing hearing loss so severe it makes communication challenging.
Let’s look at why experts are so worried and what’s causing a spike in hearing loss amongst all age groups.
Additional Health Concerns Can be The Consequence of Hearing Loss
Profound hearing loss is a terrible thing to go through.. Communication is aggravating, exhausting, and demanding every day. People can frequently disengage from their friends and family and stop doing the things they love. If you don’t get help, it’s nearly impossible to be active while experiencing significant hearing loss.
Individuals with untreated hearing loss suffer from more than diminished hearing. They’re a lot more likely to develop:
- Anxiety
- Other acute health conditions
- Depression
- Injuries from recurring falls
- Dementia
- Cognitive decline
They also have trouble getting their basic needs met and are more likely to have difficulties with personal relationships.
people who experience hearing loss are affected in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Healthcare costs
- Accident rates
- Needs for public assistance
- Disability rates
- Insurance rates
These factors indicate that hearing loss is a significant challenge we need to deal with as a society.
Why Are Numerous Generations Experiencing Increased Hearing Loss?
The recent rise in hearing loss can be linked to a number of factors. One factor is the increased prevalence of common diseases that can cause hearing loss, including:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Cardiovascular disease
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- High blood pressure
These conditions and other associated conditions are contributing to increased hearing loss because they’re affecting people at earlier ages.
Lifestyle also plays a significant role in the increased prevalence of hearing loss. In recreational and work areas particularly, 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:
- Gyms
- Factories
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Shooting ranges
Moreover, many individuals are cranking the volume of their music up to dangerous volumes and are wearing earbuds. And a greater number of people are now making use of painkillers, either to manage chronic pain or recreationally. Continued, regular use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been connected with a higher danger of hearing loss.
How is Society Reacting to Hearing Loss as a Health Issue?
Hearing loss is getting the attention of local, national, and world organizations. They’re trying to stop this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Risk factors
- Prevention
- Treatment options
- Research
These organizations also motivate individuals to:
- Have their hearing tested sooner in their lives
- Use their hearing aids
- Recognize their level of hearing loss risk
Any delays in these activities make the impact of hearing loss much worse.
Scientists, healthcare providers, and government organizations are seeking solutions. They’re also looking for ways to bring hearing-loss associated costs down. This will help increase accessibility to state-of-the-art hearing technologies that significantly enhance lives.
Comprehensive strategies are being created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. They are combining awareness, education, and health services to decrease the risk of hearing loss in underserved groups.
Among their efforts, they’ve created research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders understand the health impacts of noise. They work with communities to decrease resident’s noise exposure and instruct them on what safe levels of noise are. Additionally, they are facilitating research on how opiate use and abuse can increase the chance of hearing loss.
What You Can do?
Stay informed as hearing loss is a public health problem. Take steps to slow the development of your own hearing loss and share useful information with other people.
Get your own hearing examined if you believe you’re dealing with hearing loss. If you find you need hearing aids, make sure you wear them.
The ultimate goal is to prevent all hearing loss. You’re helping others who are dealing with hearing loss realize that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re bringing awareness about the issue of hearing loss in your community. This awareness has the power to improve attitudes, actions, and policies.