Scientists believe 20-somethings with hearing aids will soon become more prevalent as hearing loss is a public health concern.
The majority of people think of the elderly when they consider severe hearing loss. But all age groups have had a recent increase in hearing loss over the past few years. 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, researchers forecast that hearing loss will increase by 40%. The healthcare network sees this as a serious public health concern. According to John Hopkins medical researchers, one in five individuals is currently suffering from hearing loss so severe it makes communication challenging.
Hearing loss is increasing among all age groups and here is why experts think that is.
Hearing Loss Can Lead to Additional Health Concerns
It’s an awful thing to have to go through serious hearing loss. Day-to-day communication becomes difficult, frustrating, and exhausting. Individuals can often disengage from their friends and family 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.
Those with neglected hearing loss are afflicted by more than diminished hearing. They’re also more likely to develop the following
- Anxiety
- Other serious health conditions
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia
- Depression
- Injuries from repeated falls
They also have difficulty getting their everyday needs met and are more likely to have difficulties with personal relationships.
Individuals who experience hearing loss are affected in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Insurance rates
- Needs for public support
- Disability rates
- Accident rates
- Healthcare expenses
We need to fight hearing loss as a society because as these factors show, hearing loss is a significant obstacle.
Why Are Numerous Age Groups Encountering Increased Hearing Loss?
The current rise in hearing loss can be linked to a number of factors. One factor is the increased occurrence of common conditions that can lead to hearing loss, such as:
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
More people are suffering from these and associated conditions at earlier ages, which leads to additional hearing loss.
Lifestyle also plays a significant role in the increased incidence of hearing loss. In recreational and work areas in particular, it’s becoming more common to be exposed to loud noise. Modern technology is frequently loud, and we’re being exposed to loud music and other sounds in more places. It’s frequently the younger people who have the highest amount of noise exposure in:
- Gyms
- Factories
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Shooting ranges
Additionally, many people are choosing to use earbuds and crank their music up to harmful volumes. And more individuals are managing pain with painkillers or using them recreationally. Continued, frequent use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been connected with a higher 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 doing work to stop this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Prevention
- Research
- Risk factors
- Treatment options
Individuals are being urged by these organizations to:
- Get their hearing examined sooner in their lives
- Wear their hearing aids
- Know their degree of hearing loss risk
Hearing loss will become severe with any delay in these actions.
Scientists, healthcare providers, and government organizations are seeking solutions. Hearing aid related costs are also being tackled. This will help improve accessibility to state-of-the-art hearing technologies that significantly enhance lives.
Comprehensive approaches are being created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. They are combining education, awareness, and health services to lower the danger of hearing loss in underserved groups.
Among their contributions, they’ve developed research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders understand the health affects of noise. They show 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 raised with the use and abuse of opiates.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so stay informed. Take measures to slow the advancement of your own hearing loss and share helpful information with people.
Get your own hearing tested if you suspect you’re dealing with hearing loss. Be sure you get and wear your hearing aids if you discover that you need them.
Preventing hearing loss is the main goal. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people realize they’re not alone. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. This awareness has the power to improve attitudes, policies, and actions.