Hearing loss is currently a public health issue and scientists think that it will become much more common for people in their 20’s to be using hearing aids.
When you think of severe hearing loss, ideas of elderly people might come to mind. But over the past few years, there has been an increase in hearing loss impacting all age groups. Hearing loss clearly isn’t an aging issue it’s an increasing crisis and the rising cases among all age groups illustrates this.
Scientists predict that in the next 40 years, hearing loss rates will double among adults 20 and older. The healthcare community views this as a major public health issue. One in five individuals is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating due to severe hearing loss.
Hearing loss is rising among all age groups and here is why experts think that is.
Additional Health Concerns Can be The Consequence of Hearing Loss
Profound hearing loss is a horrible thing to cope with. Everyday communication becomes difficult, aggravating, and fatiguing. People can often withdraw from their friends and family and stop doing the things they love. If you don’t seek help, it’s virtually impossible to be active while going through severe hearing loss.
It’s not only diminished hearing that people with untreated hearing loss suffer from. They’re also more likely to develop the following
- Injuries from recurring falls
- Cognitive decline
- Other acute health conditions
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Depression
They’re also more likely to have difficulties with their personal relationships and might have challenges getting basic needs met.
Along with the impact on their personal lives, individuals suffering from hearing loss might face increased:
- Accident rates
- Healthcare expenses
- Disability rates
- Needs for public support
- Insurance rates
We need to combat hearing loss as a society because as these factors indicate, hearing loss is a real challenge.
What’s Causing Increased Hearing Loss in All Age Groups?
The recent increase in hearing loss can be attributed to numerous factors. The increased instances of some common illnesses that trigger hearing loss is one factor, including:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Obesity
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- High blood pressure
These disorders and other associated conditions are contributing to increased hearing loss because they’re affecting people at earlier ages.
Lifestyle also plays a significant role in the increased prevalence of hearing loss. Exposure to loud noises is more common, particularly in work environments and recreational areas. We’re being exposed to loud noises and music in more places and modern technology is getting louder. Young people who regularly go to the following places have the highest level of hearing loss:
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Gyms
- Factories
- Shooting ranges
Furthermore, many individuals are choosing to wear earbuds and turn their music up to harmful levels. And a larger number of individuals are now making use of painkillers, either to address chronic pain or recreationally. Opiates, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen will increase your chance of hearing loss especially if used over a long time periods.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Problem Being Dealt With by Society?
Local, national, and world organizations have recognized the issue. They’re working to stop this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Risk factors
- Treatment options
- Prevention
- Research
These organizations also encourage individuals to:
- Have their hearing evaluated earlier in their lives
- Use their hearing aids
- Identify their degree of hearing loss risk
Hearing loss will become severe with any delay in these actions.
Scientists, healthcare providers, and government organizations are looking for solutions. Hearing aid associated costs are also being addressed. Advanced hearing technology will be increased and lives will be significantly enhanced.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to formulate 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 educated on the health affect 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. They’re also advancing research into how hearing loss is raised with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Keep yourself informed as hearing loss is a public health issue. Share useful information with other people and take action to slow the advancement of your own hearing loss.
Get your own hearing checked if you suspect you’re suffering from hearing loss. If you find you need hearing aids, be sure to wear them.
The ultimate goal is to avoid all hearing loss. You’re helping other people who have hearing loss understand that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re bringing awareness about the issue of hearing loss in your community. This awareness has the power to transform attitudes, actions, and policies.