Scientists believe 20-somethings with hearing aids will soon become more prevalent as hearing loss is a public health issue.
Most individuals think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But all age groups have seen a recent increase in hearing loss during the last few years. Increased hearing loss in all ages further shows that hearing loss isn’t an “aging issue,” but a growing epidemic.
With adults 20 and older, scientists forecast that hearing loss will increase by 40%. The healthcare community sees this as a significant public health concern. One out of 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 worried and what’s causing an increase in hearing loss among all age groups.
Added Health Problems Can be The Consequence of Hearing Loss
Profound hearing loss is a horrible thing to cope with. Everyday communication becomes difficult, frustrating, and fatiguing. People can frequently disengage from their family and friends and stop doing the things they enjoy. If you don’t seek help, it’s nearly impossible to be active while enduring severe hearing loss.
Those who have untreated hearing loss suffer from more than diminished hearing. They’re far more likely to develop:
- Other acute health problems
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Dementia
- Cognitive decline
- Anxiety
- Depression
They’re also more likely to have difficulties with their personal friendships and might have challenges getting basic needs met.
people who suffer from hearing loss are affected in their personal lives and may also have increased:
- Healthcare expenses
- Needs for public support
- Insurance rates
- Accident rates
- Disability rates
We need to combat hearing loss as a society because as these factors show, hearing loss is a significant obstacle.
Why Are Numerous Generations Experiencing Increased Hearing Loss?
The recent increase in hearing loss can be attributed to several factors. The increased instances of some common conditions that trigger hearing loss is one factor, including:
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
More people are dealing with these and associated conditions at earlier ages, which adds to further hearing loss.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a lot to do with lifestyle. Exposure to loud noises is more prevalent, especially in recreation areas and work environments. Modern technology is frequently loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other noises in more places. Young people who frequent the following places have the highest degree of hearing loss:
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Factories
- Gyms
- Shooting ranges
Moreover, many people are cranking the volume of their music up to harmful volumes and are using earbuds. And more people are managing pain with painkillers or taking them recreationally. Continued, regular use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been linked to 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 educating the public as a step to slow this growing trend with the following:
- Risk factors
- Research
- Prevention
- Treatment options
These organizations also encourage individuals to:
- Have their hearing evaluated sooner in their lives
- Identify their degree of hearing loss risk
- Wear their hearing aids
Hearing loss will get worse with any delay in these measures.
Researchers, healthcare providers, and government organizations are looking for solutions. They’re also looking for ways to bring hearing-loss related costs down. This will help increase accessibility to state-of-the-art hearing technologies that significantly improve lives.
Broad strategies are being formulated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. They are combining awareness, education, and health services to lower the danger of hearing loss in underserved groups.
Among their efforts, they’ve developed research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders understand the health impacts of noise. They describe what safe noise exposure is, and work with communities to reduce noise exposure for residents. They’re also advancing research into how hearing loss is increased with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Stay informed because hearing loss is a public health problem. Share beneficial information with others and take action to slow the development of your own hearing loss.
Have your own hearing tested if you believe you are suffering from hearing loss. If you discover you need hearing aids, be sure to wear them.
Avoiding hearing loss is the main goal. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people understand they’re not alone. You’re helping your community become more aware of the problems of hearing loss. Policies, actions. and attitudes will then be changed by this awareness.