Hearing loss is currently a public health concern and scientists think that it will become a lot more common for people in their 20’s to be wearing hearing aids.
When you think of severe hearing loss, ideas of elderly people might come to mind. But all age groups have had a recent rise in hearing loss over the last few years. Hearing loss clearly isn’t an aging problem it’s an increasing crisis and the rising instances among all age groups illustrates this.
Researchers predict that in the next 40 years, hearing loss cases will double among adults 20 and older. This is seen as a public health issue by the healthcare community. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one in five individuals is currently suffering from hearing loss so extreme it makes communication challenging.
Let’s see why experts are so alarmed and what’s contributing to a spike in hearing loss amongst all age groups.
Additional Health Problems Can be The Outcome of Hearing Loss
Profound hearing loss is an awful thing to cope with. Everyday communication becomes challenging, frustrating, and exhausting. It can cause individuals to stop doing what they enjoy and withdraw from family and friends. If you don’t seek help, it’s almost impossible to be active while suffering from severe hearing loss.
People with untreated hearing loss are afflicted by more than diminished hearing. They’re also more likely to develop the following
- Anxiety
- Other acute health conditions
- Dementia
- Depression
- Injuries from recurring falls
- Cognitive decline
They also have trouble getting their everyday needs met and are more likely to have problems with personal relationships.
Along with the impact on their personal lives, individuals experiencing hearing loss may face increased:
- Needs for public assistance
- Healthcare costs
- Insurance rates
- Disability rates
- Accident rates
These factors demonstrate that hearing loss is a major obstacle we should deal with as a society.
Why Are Numerous Generations Encountering Increased Hearing Loss?
There are a number of factors causing the current increase in hearing loss. One factor is the increased prevalence of common diseases that can lead to hearing loss, including:
- Obesity
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
These disorders and other associated conditions are contributing to additional hearing loss because they’re happening to people at younger ages.
Lifestyle also plays a major role in the increased incidence of hearing loss. In recreational and work areas in particular, 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. It’s frequently the younger people who have the highest degree of noise exposure in:
- Factories
- Gyms
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Shooting ranges
Also, many individuals are turning the volume of their music up to harmful volumes and are wearing earbuds. And more people are managing pain with painkillers or using them recreationally. Continued, regular use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been linked to a higher danger of hearing loss.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Problem Being Dealt With by Society?
Local, national, and world organizations have taken notice. They’re doing work to stop this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Prevention
- Risk factors
- Treatment possibilities
- Research
These organizations also encourage individuals to:
- Know their level of hearing loss risk
- Get their hearing examined sooner in their lives
- Wear their hearing aids
Any delays in these actions make the impact of hearing loss significantly worse.
Solutions are being sought by government organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers. Hearing aid associated costs are also being tackled. State-of-the-art hearing technology will be increased and lives will be dramatically enhanced.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to create comprehensive strategies. Lowering the danger of hearing loss in underserved communities is being addressed with health services, education, and awareness.
Local leaders are being educated on the health impact of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They work with communities to reduce 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.
What You Can do?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so remain informed. Share beneficial information with others and take steps to slow the advancement of your own hearing loss.
If you suspect you might be experiencing hearing loss, get a hearing exam. Be sure you get and wear your hearing aids if you discover that you need them.
Preventing hearing loss is the main goal. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people see they’re not alone. You’re bringing awareness about the issue of hearing loss in your community. This awareness has the power to transform attitudes, policies, and actions.