Hearing loss is presently a public health issue and scientists think that it will become much more common for individuals in their 20’s to be wearing hearing aids.
Most people think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But all age groups have had a recent rise in hearing loss over the past few years. Hearing loss clearly isn’t an aging problem it’s an increasing epidemic and the rising cases among all age groups demonstrates this.
Scientists predict that in the next 40 years, hearing loss rates will double among adults 20 and older. This is viewed as a public health issue by the healthcare community. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one in five people is currently experiencing hearing loss so extreme it makes communication difficult.
Hearing loss is rising among all age groups and here is why researchers think that is.
Hearing Loss Can Trigger Added Health Concerns
It’s an awful thing to have to go through serious hearing loss. Communication is aggravating, fatiguing, and challenging every day. It can cause individuals to stop doing what they love and disengage from family and friends. When you’re going through 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 much more likely to experience:
- Dementia
- Depression
- Other acute health conditions
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety
They also have trouble getting their everyday needs met and are more likely to have difficulties with personal relationships.
In combination with the affect on their personal lives, people going through hearing loss might face increased:
- Disability rates
- Needs for public support
- Accident rates
- Insurance rates
- Healthcare expenses
These factors indicate that hearing loss is a major obstacle we should deal with as a society.
What’s Contributing to Increased Hearing Loss in Multiple Ages?
There are numerous factors contributing to the recent increase in hearing loss. The increased cases of some common illnesses that cause hearing loss is one factor, including:
- Diabetes
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Cardiovascular disease
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
These conditions and other related conditions are contributing to increased hearing loss because they’re happening to people at earlier ages.
Lifestyle also plays a major role in the increased prevalence of hearing loss. Exposure to loud noises is more prevalent, especially in work environments and recreational areas. We’re being exposed to loud noises and music in more places and modern technology is getting louder. Young people who regularly go to the following places have the highest level of hearing loss:
- Shooting ranges
- Gyms
- Factories
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
Also, many individuals are turning the volume of their music up to harmful levels and are wearing earbuds. And more people are treating pain with painkillers or using them recreationally. Opiates, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen will increase your risk of hearing loss especially if used over a long time periods.
How is Society Responding to Hearing Loss as a Health Crisis?
Local, national, and world organizations have recognized the issue. They’re doing work to end this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Research
- Risk factors
- Prevention
- Treatment options
These organizations also urge individuals to:
- Have their hearing evaluated sooner in their lives
- Wear their hearing aids
- Identify their level of hearing loss risk
Any delays in these actions make the affect of hearing loss much worse.
Scientists, healthcare providers, and government organizations are looking for solutions. Hearing aid associated costs are also being addressed. State-of-the-art hearing technology will be increased and lives will be dramatically improved.
Broad approaches are being created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. They are combining education, awareness, and health services to lower the danger of hearing loss in underserved groups.
Among their efforts, they’ve created research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders recognize the health impacts of noise. They show what safe noise exposure is, and work with communities to reduce noise exposure for residents. They’re also advancing research into how hearing loss is raised with the use and abuse of opiates.
What You Can do?
Stay informed because hearing loss is a public health problem. Take measures to slow the development of your own hearing loss and share useful information with people.
If you suspect you may be suffering from hearing loss, have your hearing examined. Make sure you get and wear your hearing aids if you find that you need them.
The main goal is to avoid all hearing loss. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people recognize they’re not alone. You’re bringing awareness about the issue of hearing loss in your community. This awareness has the power to improve attitudes, policies, and actions.