Scientists think that 20-somethings with hearing aids will soon become more prevalent as hearing loss is a public health issue.
When you consider extreme hearing loss, thoughts of elderly people may come to mind. But over the past few years, there has been a surge in hearing loss with all age groups. Increased hearing loss among all ages further illustrates that hearing loss isn’t an “aging problem,” but a growing crisis.
Scientists predict within the next 40 years, hearing loss cases will double in adults 20 and older. This is viewed as a public health issue by the healthcare community. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one in five people is already suffering from hearing loss so severe it makes communication difficult.
Let’s find out why experts are so concerned and what’s causing an increase in hearing loss among all age groups.
Hearing Loss Can Trigger Further Health Issues
Profound hearing loss is an awful thing to experience.. Communication is aggravating, fatiguing, and challenging every day. It can cause people to stop doing what they love and withdraw from family and friends. When you’re going through significant hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without getting help.
It’s not only diminished hearing that people with neglected hearing loss are afflicted by. They’re far more likely to develop:
- Dementia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Cognitive decline
- Other serious health problems
They’re also more likely to have difficulties with their personal friendships and might have challenges getting basic needs met.
In addition to the affect on their personal lives, people experiencing hearing loss may face increased:
- Insurance rates
- Disability rates
- Healthcare expenses
- Accident rates
- Needs for public assistance
These factors demonstrate that hearing loss is a significant challenge we should fight as a society.
Why Are Multiple Age Groups Experiencing Increased Hearing Loss?
There are numerous factors causing the current increase in hearing loss. The increased cases of some common illnesses that trigger hearing loss is one factor, including:
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
More people are experiencing these and associated conditions at younger ages, which leads to added hearing loss.
Lifestyle also plays an important role in the increased incidence of hearing loss. In work and recreational areas specifically, it’s becoming more common to be exposed to loud sound. Modern technology is frequently loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other noises in more places. It’s frequently the younger age groups who have the highest level of noise exposure in:
- Shooting ranges
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Gyms
- Factories
Additionally, many individuals are choosing to wear earbuds and crank their music up to dangerous levels. And more individuals are managing pain with painkillers or using them recreationally. Opiates, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen will raise your chance of hearing loss particularly if taken over a extended time periods.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Issue 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:
- Research
- Treatment options
- Prevention
- Risk factors
These organizations also motivate individuals to:
- Identify their level of hearing loss risk
- Have their hearing tested sooner in their lives
- Use their hearing aids
Any delays in these actions make the affect 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 related costs down. State-of-the-art hearing technology will be increased and lives will be substantially improved.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to create comprehensive strategies. They are combining education, awareness, and health services to reduce the danger of hearing loss in underserved groups.
Local leaders are being made aware of the health affect of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They explain what safe noise exposure is, and work with communities to minimize noise exposure for residents. They’re also pushing forward research into how hearing loss is increased with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health issue so stay informed. Take measures to slow the advancement of your own hearing loss and share helpful information with others.
If you think you might be dealing with hearing loss, get a hearing exam. If you discover you need hearing aids, make sure you wear them.
The main goal is to avoid all hearing loss. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people understand they’re not alone. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. Policies, actions. and attitudes will then be transformed by this awareness.
