Scientists believe 20-somethings who wear hearing aids will soon become more common as hearing loss is a public health issue.
When you think of serious hearing loss, ideas of elderly people may come to mind. But all age groups have had a recent rise in hearing loss during the last few years. Hearing loss obviously isn’t an aging issue it’s a growing epidemic and the rising cases among all age groups illustrates this.
Among adults 20 and older, scientists predict 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 in five individuals is already suffering from hearing loss so severe it makes communication challenging.
Hearing loss is increasing among all age groups and here is why researchers think that is.
Hearing Loss Can Cause Added Health Issues
It’s a terrible thing to have to endure profound hearing loss. Communication is frustrating, exhausting, and challenging every day. It can cause people to stop doing what they enjoy and disengage from friends and family. When you’re suffering from severe hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without seeking help.
People with untreated hearing loss are afflicted by more than diminished hearing. They’re far more likely to experience:
- Injuries from recurring falls
- Depression
- Other severe health problems
- Dementia
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety
They’re also more likely to have difficulties with their personal friendships and might have challenges getting basic needs met.
people who suffer from hearing loss are affected in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Disability rates
- Accident rates
- Insurance costs
- Healthcare expenses
- Needs for public assistance
We need to combat hearing loss as a society because as these factors indicate, hearing loss is a real obstacle.
Why Are Numerous Generations Experiencing Increased Hearing Loss?
There are a number of factors contributing to the current increase in hearing loss. One factor is the increased prevalence of common diseases that can cause hearing loss, including:
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
More individuals are experiencing these and related conditions at younger ages, which adds to additional hearing loss.
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 noise. Modern technology is often loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other noises in more places. It’s often the younger age groups who have the highest degree of noise exposure in:
- Factories
- Gyms
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Shooting ranges
Moreover, many individuals are turning the volume of their music up to harmful volumes and are wearing earbuds. And more individuals are treating pain with painkillers or using them recreationally. Continued, regular use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been associated with an increased danger of hearing loss.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Problem Being Dealt With by Society?
Local, national, and world organizations have recognized the problem. They’re educating the public as a measure to reduce this rising trend with the following:
- Research
- Prevention
- Risk factors
- Treatment possibilities
Individuals are being prompted by these organizations to:
- Wear their hearing aids
- Identify their degree of hearing loss risk
- Get their hearing examined earlier in their lives
Hearing loss will become severe with any delay in these actions.
Solutions are being looked for by government organizations, healthcare providers, and scientists. They’re also seeking ways to bring hearing-loss associated costs down. This will help improve accessibility to advanced hearing technologies that significantly enhance lives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to develop in depth strategies. They are incorporating education, awareness, and health services to lower the risk of hearing loss in underserved groups.
Local leaders are being educated on the health impact of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They work with communities to minimize resident’s noise exposure and instruct them on what safe levels of noise are. In addition, they’re furthering research on how opiate use and abuse can raise the risk of hearing loss.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so remain informed. Take steps to slow the development of your own hearing loss and share useful information with other people.
If you suspect you might be suffering from hearing loss, have your hearing examined. If you discover you need hearing aids, make sure you wear them.
Preventing hearing loss is the main goal. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people realize they’re not alone. You’re bringing awareness about the issue of hearing loss in your community. Policies, attitudes, and actions will then be transformed by this awareness.
