Scientists think that 20-somethings with hearing aids will soon become more prevalent as hearing loss is a public health issue.
The majority of individuals think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But over the past few years, there has been a surge in hearing loss with all age groups. Hearing loss obviously isn’t an aging problem it’s an increasing epidemic and the rising instances among all age groups illustrates this.
Researchers predict within the next 40 years, hearing loss rates will double in adults 20 and older. This is viewed as a public health problem by the healthcare community. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one in five individuals is currently experiencing hearing loss so extreme it makes communication difficult.
Hearing loss is increasing among all age groups and here is why researchers think that is.
Additional Health Concerns Can be The Outcome of Hearing Loss
It’s a horrible thing to have to endure profound hearing loss. Day-to-day communication becomes challenging, aggravating, and exhausting. People can frequently disengage from their friends and family and stop doing the things they love. When you’re experiencing extreme hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without getting help.
It’s not only diminished hearing that people with untreated hearing loss suffer from. They’re a lot more likely to experience:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Other acute health problems
- Dementia
- Injuries from repeated falls
They’re also more likely to have problems with their personal relationships and may have challenges getting basic needs met.
In combination with the impact on their personal lives, individuals suffering from hearing loss may face increased:
- Needs for public assistance
- Disability rates
- Insurance rates
- Accident rates
- Healthcare expenses
We need to combat hearing loss as a society because as these factors reveal, hearing loss is a real obstacle.
What’s Contributing to Increased Hearing Loss Across All Ages?
The recent rise in hearing loss can be linked to numerous factors. The increased cases of some common diseases that cause hearing loss is one factor, including:
- Diabetes
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Cardiovascular disease
More individuals are experiencing these and related conditions at earlier ages, which contributes to further hearing loss.
Lifestyle also plays a significant role in the increased prevalence of hearing loss. Exposure to loud sounds is more common, especially in recreation areas and work environments. We’re being exposed to loud sounds and music in more places and modern technology is getting louder. It’s frequently the younger people who have the highest amount of noise exposure in:
- Gyms
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Shooting ranges
- Factories
Furthermore, many individuals are choosing to use earbuds and turn their music up to harmful volumes. And more individuals are managing pain with painkillers or taking them recreationally. Opiates, aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen will increase your risk of hearing loss particularly if taken over a long time periods.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Issue Being Dealt With by Society?
Hearing loss is getting the attention of local, national, and world organizations. They’re working to stop this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Prevention
- Risk factors
- Treatment options
- Research
These organizations also encourage individuals to:
- Identify their level of hearing loss risk
- Use their hearing aids
- Have their hearing examined earlier in their lives
Any delays in these activities make the impact of hearing loss a lot worse.
Solutions are being looked for by government organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers. Hearing aid related costs are also being addressed. State-of-the-art hearing technology will be increased and lives will be dramatically improved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to develop in depth strategies. Lowering the danger of hearing loss in underserved communities is being tackled with health services, education, and awareness.
Local leaders are being made aware of the health affect of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They explain what safe noise exposure is, and help communities reduce noise exposure for residents. They’re also pushing forward research into how hearing loss is increased with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health issue so keep yourself informed. Take steps to slow the development of your own hearing loss and share helpful information with people.
If you believe you may be dealing with hearing loss, have your hearing examined. Be sure you get and use your hearing aids if you find that you need them.
Preventing hearing loss is the ultimate goal. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people realize they’re not alone. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. Policies, actions. and attitudes will then be transformed by this awareness.