Hearing loss is currently a public health concern and scientists think that it will become much more common for individuals in their 20’s to be using hearing aids.
When you consider serious hearing loss, ideas of elderly people might come to mind. But all age groups have seen a recent increase in hearing loss during the last few years. Hearing loss clearly isn’t an aging problem it’s an increasing epidemic and the rising instances among all age groups illustrates this.
Scientists predict that in the next 40 years, hearing loss cases will double in adults 20 and older. The healthcare community views this as a significant public health concern. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one in five people is already dealing with hearing loss so extreme it makes communication difficult.
Hearing loss is increasing amongst all age groups and here is why experts think that is.
Additional Health Concerns Can be The Outcome of Hearing Loss
Serious hearing loss is a terrible thing to experience. Everyday communication becomes difficult, frustrating, and exhausting. People can frequently disengage from their family and friends and stop doing the things they love. If you don’t seek help, it’s almost impossible to be active while experiencing severe hearing loss.
It’s not only diminished hearing that people with untreated hearing loss are afflicted by. They’re also more likely to develop the following
- Depression
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Other acute health conditions
- Injuries from recurring falls
They also have trouble getting their everyday needs met and are more likely to have difficulties with personal relationships.
In combination with the impact on their personal lives, individuals going through hearing loss might face increased:
- Healthcare expenses
- Needs for public assistance
- Accident rates
- Insurance rates
- Disability rates
These factors reveal that hearing loss is a major obstacle we need to deal with as a society.
Why Are Numerous Generations Encountering Increased Hearing Loss?
There are numerous factors contributing to the recent increase in hearing loss. The increased instances of some common diseases that trigger hearing loss is one factor, including:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
These conditions and other related conditions are contributing to additional hearing loss because they’re affecting people at younger ages.
Lifestyle also plays a major role in the increased prevalence of hearing loss. Exposure to loud noises is more prevalent, particularly in recreation areas and work environments. We’re being exposed to loud sounds and music in more places and modern technology is getting louder. Young people who frequent the following places have the highest level of hearing loss:
- Shooting ranges
- Gyms
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Factories
Additionally, many people are choosing to wear earbuds and turn their music up to harmful levels. And more individuals are managing pain with painkillers or taking them recreationally. Prolonged, frequent 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 educating the public as a measure to reduce this rising trend with the following:
- Treatment possibilities
- Risk factors
- Research
- Prevention
These organizations also encourage individuals to:
- Get their hearing tested earlier in their lives
- Know their level of hearing loss risk
- Wear their hearing aids
Hearing loss will worsen with any delay in these actions.
Researchers, healthcare providers, and government organizations are trying to find solutions. They’re also seeking ways to bring hearing-loss associated costs down. State-of-the-art hearing technology will be increased and lives will be dramatically improved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to formulate in depth strategies. They are combining awareness, education, and health services to lower the danger of hearing loss among underserved groups.
Among their efforts, they’ve developed research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders understand the health affects of noise. 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 raised with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so remain informed. Take steps to slow the progression of your own hearing loss and share practical information with others.
If you believe you might be suffering from hearing loss, have your hearing examined. Make sure you get and wear your hearing aids if you discover that you need them.
Avoiding hearing loss is the main goal. You’re helping others who have hearing loss realize that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re helping your community become more aware of the difficulties of hearing loss. Policies, actions. and attitudes will then be changed by this awareness.