Hearing loss is presently a public health concern and scientists think that it will become a lot more common for individuals in their 20’s to be using hearing aids.
When you think of severe hearing loss, thoughts of elderly people may come to mind. But all age groups have seen a recent rise in hearing loss over the last few years. Hearing loss clearly isn’t an aging issue it’s a growing epidemic and the rising instances among all age groups demonstrates this.
Researchers predict within the next 40 years, hearing loss cases will double among adults 20 and older. The healthcare community sees this as a major public health issue. One in five people is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating because of extreme hearing loss.
Let’s find out why experts are so concerned and what’s contributing to an increase in hearing loss amongst all age groups.
Hearing Loss Can Lead to Added Health Issues
It’s an awful thing to have to endure serious hearing loss. Normal communication becomes challenging, aggravating, and exhausting. Individuals can frequently disengage from their family and friends and stop doing the things they love. When you’re enduring extreme hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without seeking help.
Those who have untreated hearing loss are afflicted by more than diminished hearing. They’re much more likely to experience:
- Anxiety
- Injuries from recurring falls
- Dementia
- Depression
- Other severe health conditions
- Cognitive decline
They also have trouble getting their everyday needs met and are more likely to have difficulties with personal relationships.
people who suffer from hearing loss are affected in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Insurance costs
- Disability rates
- Needs for public support
- Accident rates
- Healthcare expenses
We need to fight hearing loss as a society because as these factors indicate, hearing loss is a real challenge.
Why Are Multiple Generations Encountering Increased Hearing Loss?
There are numerous factors causing the current rise in hearing loss. One factor is the increased prevalence of common conditions that can cause hearing loss, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Obesity
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
These disorders and other associated conditions are contributing to increased hearing loss because they’re affecting people at younger ages.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a lot to do with lifestyle. 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 level of hearing loss:
- Factories
- Shooting ranges
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Gyms
Also, many people are turning the volume of their music up to dangerous levels and are wearing earbuds. And a greater number of people are now using painkillers, either to manage chronic pain or recreationally. Continued, frequent use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been associated with a higher risk of hearing loss.
How is Society Reacting to Hearing Loss as a Health Issue?
Local, national, and world organizations have taken notice. They’re educating the public as a step to reduce this growing trend with the following:
- Prevention
- Risk factors
- Research
- Treatment possibilities
Individuals are being urged by these organizations to:
- Wear their hearing aids
- Know their level of hearing loss risk
- Get their hearing checked sooner in their lives
Any delays in these actions make the affect of hearing loss a lot worse.
Solutions are being looked for by government organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers. They’re also seeking ways to bring hearing-loss associated costs down. Advanced hearing technology will be increased and lives will be dramatically enhanced.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to develop in depth strategies. They are integrating awareness, education, and health services to decrease the risk of hearing loss in underserved groups.
Among their contributions, they’ve formulated research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders understand the health impacts of noise. 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 raised with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so keep yourself informed. Share helpful information with other people and take action to slow the advancement of your own hearing loss.
Get your own hearing examined if you believe you are experiencing hearing loss. Make sure you get and wear your hearing aids if you discover that you need them.
Stopping hearing loss is the ultimate goal. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people understand they’re not alone. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. Policies, attitudes, and actions will then be changed by this awareness.