Hearing loss is presently a public health problem and scientists think that it will become a lot more common for people in their 20’s to be using hearing aids.
When you consider 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 with all age groups. Hearing loss obviously isn’t an aging issue it’s a growing epidemic and the rising instances among all age groups demonstrates this.
With adults 20 and up, scientists forecast that hearing loss will rise by 40%. This is seen as a public health issue by the healthcare community. One in five individuals is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating because of extreme hearing loss.
Let’s look at why experts are so concerned and what’s contributing to a spike in hearing loss among all age groups.
Hearing Loss Can Cause Further Health Problems
It’s a terrible thing to have to endure severe hearing loss. Communication is aggravating, exhausting, and challenging every day. Individuals can frequently withdraw from their family and friends 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 individuals with untreated hearing loss are afflicted by. They’re also more likely to experience the following
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Cognitive decline
- Other serious health problems
- Depression
- Injuries from repeated falls
They’re also more likely to have problems with their personal friendships and might have challenges getting basic needs met.
In combination with the impact on their personal lives, individuals experiencing hearing loss may face increased:
- Disability rates
- Needs for public support
- Insurance rates
- Accident rates
- Healthcare costs
These factors show that hearing loss is a major obstacle we need to deal with as a society.
Why Are Multiple Age Groups Experiencing Increased Hearing Loss?
There are numerous factors causing the recent rise in hearing loss. The increased instances of some common conditions that trigger hearing loss is one factor, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
More individuals are experiencing these and related conditions at earlier ages, which contributes to further hearing loss.
Lifestyle also plays a major role in the increased occurrence of hearing loss. Exposure to loud noises is more prevalent, especially in work environments and recreational areas. We’re being exposed to loud sounds and music in more places and modern technology is getting louder. Young people who regularly go to the following places have the highest degree of hearing loss:
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Factories
- Gyms
- Shooting ranges
Also, many individuals are cranking the volume of their music up to dangerous levels and are wearing earbuds. And more people are treating pain with painkillers or using them recreationally. Prolonged, frequent 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 Crisis Being Dealt With by Society?
Hearing loss is getting the attention of local, national, and world organizations. They’re trying to prevent this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Treatment options
- Risk factors
- Prevention
- Research
Individuals are being prompted by these organizations to:
- Have their hearing tested earlier in their lives
- Recognize their level of hearing loss risk
- Use their hearing aids
Any delays in these activities make the impact of hearing loss significantly worse.
Solutions are being sought by government organizations, healthcare providers, and scientists. They’re also looking for ways to bring hearing-loss associated costs down. State-of-the-art hearing technology will be increased and lives will be significantly improved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to create in depth strategies. They are integrating awareness, education, and health services to reduce the danger of hearing loss among 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 are facilitating research on how opiate use and abuse can raise the danger of hearing loss.
What You Can do?
Hearing loss is a public health issue so keep yourself informed. Share useful information with others and take steps to slow the development of your own hearing loss.
If you suspect you may be experiencing hearing loss, get a hearing exam. Make sure you get and use your hearing aids if you find that you need them.
The main goal is to stop all hearing loss. 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. This awareness has the power to change attitudes, policies, and actions.