Hearing loss is currently 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.
Most individuals 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 amongst all ages further illustrates that hearing loss isn’t an “aging issue,” but a growing epidemic.
Among adults 20 and up, scientists forecast that hearing loss will rise by 40%. This is seen as a public health issue by the healthcare community. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one out of five individuals is already experiencing hearing loss so extreme it makes communication difficult.
Hearing loss is rising amongst all age groups and here is why researchers think that is.
Added Health Issues Can be The Outcome of Hearing Loss
It’s a terrible thing to have to go through profound hearing loss. Day-to-day communication becomes challenging, frustrating, and exhausting. 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.
Individuals with untreated hearing loss are afflicted by more than diminished hearing. They’re also more likely to experience the following
- Other severe health conditions
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Dementia
- Anxiety
They’re also more likely to have difficulties with their personal friendships and might have challenges getting basic needs met.
Along with the impact on their personal lives, people experiencing hearing loss might face increased:
- Healthcare costs
- Disability rates
- Insurance rates
- Needs for public support
- Accident rates
We need to fight hearing loss as a society because as these factors demonstrate, hearing loss is a real obstacle.
Why Are Numerous Generations Experiencing Increased Hearing Loss?
The current increase in hearing loss can be attributed to a number of factors. One factor is the increased occurrence of common conditions that can lead to hearing loss, such as:
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Diabetes
- Obesity
These disorders and other related conditions are contributing to increased hearing loss because they’re happening to people at earlier ages.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a lot to do with lifestyle. In work and recreational areas specifically, it’s becoming more common to be exposed to loud sound. Modern technology is often loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other noises in more places. Young people who regularly go to the following places have the highest level of hearing loss:
- Factories
- Shooting ranges
- Gyms
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
Moreover, many individuals are cranking the volume of their music up to harmful levels and are wearing earbuds. And more people are managing pain with painkillers or taking them recreationally. Opiates, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen will raise your risk of hearing loss particularly if used over a extended period of time.
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 trying to prevent this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Prevention
- Research
- Treatment possibilities
- Risk factors
Individuals are being encouraged by these organizations to:
- Have their hearing examined earlier in their lives
- Recognize their degree of hearing loss risk
- Use their hearing aids
Hearing loss will worsen with any delay in these actions.
Scientists, healthcare providers, and government organizations are seeking solutions. Hearing aid related costs are also being addressed. This will help improve accessibility to advanced hearing technologies that greatly enhance lives.
Broad strategies are being created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. They are incorporating awareness, education, and health services to decrease the risk of hearing loss in underserved communities.
Among their contributions, they’ve developed research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders recognize the health affects of noise. They work with communities to decrease resident’s noise exposure and teach what safe levels of noise are. They’re also pushing forward research into how hearing loss is increased with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Stay informed because hearing loss is a public health issue. Share useful information with other people and take steps to slow the development of your own hearing loss.
Have your own hearing examined if you think you are dealing with hearing loss. If you discover you need hearing aids, be sure to wear them.
Stopping hearing loss is the ultimate goal. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people see 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.