Scientists think that 20-somethings with hearing aids will soon become more prevalent as hearing loss is a public health issue.
When you consider severe hearing loss, thoughts of elderly people may come to mind. But all age groups have had a recent increase in hearing loss during the past few years. Hearing loss obviously isn’t an aging issue 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 rates will double among adults 20 and older. The healthcare community views this as a significant public health concern. One in five people is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a hard time communicating as a result of extreme hearing loss.
Hearing loss is increasing among all age groups and here is why researchers think that is.
Hearing Loss Can Trigger Additional Health Issues
It’s a terrible thing to have to go through severe hearing loss. Day-to-day communication becomes challenging, frustrating, and fatiguing. Individuals can often disengage from their family and friends and stop doing the things they love. When you’re going through severe hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without seeking help.
It’s not only diminished hearing that people with neglected hearing loss are afflicted by. They’re also more likely to experience the following
- Other acute health problems
- Injuries from recurring falls
- Cognitive decline
- Depression
- Dementia
- Anxiety
They’re also more likely to have problems with their personal relationships and might have challenges getting basic needs met.
In combination with the impact on their personal lives, people suffering from hearing loss might face increased:
- Accident rates
- Needs for public support
- Insurance rates
- Disability rates
- Healthcare costs
These factors reveal that hearing loss is a significant obstacle we should combat as a society.
Why Are Numerous Generations Encountering Increased Hearing Loss?
There are several factors causing the recent increase in hearing loss. One factor is the increased incidence of common conditions that can cause hearing loss, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Cardiovascular disease
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
These conditions and other related conditions are contributing to additional hearing loss because they’re affecting people at younger ages.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a lot to do with lifestyle. Exposure to loud noises is more common, especially in work environments and recreational areas. Modern technology is often loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other sounds in more places. It’s often the younger people who have the highest level of noise exposure in:
- Gyms
- Shooting ranges
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Factories
Furthermore, many people are choosing to use earbuds and turn their music up to harmful levels. And more people are treating pain with painkillers or using them recreationally. Prolonged, 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?
Hearing loss is getting the attention of local, national, and world organizations. They’re educating the public as a step to reduce this rising trend with the following:
- Prevention
- Risk factors
- Treatment possibilities
- Research
These organizations also motivate individuals to:
- Identify their level of hearing loss risk
- Get their hearing checked sooner in their lives
- Use their hearing aids
Any delays in these actions make the impact of hearing loss substantially worse.
Solutions are being looked for by government organizations, healthcare providers, and researchers. They’re also looking for ways to bring hearing-loss related costs down. Advanced hearing technology will be increased and lives will be substantially enhanced.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to develop in depth strategies. They are incorporating awareness, education, and health services to reduce the risk of hearing loss in underserved communities.
Among their efforts, they’ve developed research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders understand the health affects of noise. They explain what safe noise exposure is, and help communities decrease noise exposure for residents. In addition, they’re facilitating research on how opiate use and abuse can raise the chance of hearing loss.
What You Can do?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so remain informed. Share helpful information with other people and take steps to slow the development of your own hearing loss.
Get your own hearing tested if you think you’re experiencing hearing loss. If you find you need hearing aids, be sure to wear them.
The ultimate goal is to stop all hearing loss. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people recognize they’re not alone. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. This awareness has the power to change attitudes, policies, and actions.