Scientists think that 20-somethings who wear hearing aids will soon become more prevalent as hearing loss is a public health concern.
Most people think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But all age groups have had a recent rise in hearing loss during the last few years. Increased hearing loss in all ages further demonstrates that hearing loss isn’t an “aging problem,” but a growing crisis.
Among adults 20 and up, researchers forecast that hearing loss will increase by 40%. The healthcare community views this as a major public health problem. One out of five individuals is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating because of extreme hearing loss.
Let’s find out why experts are so alarmed and what’s contributing to an increase in hearing loss among all age groups.
Additional Health Problems Can be The Outcome of Hearing Loss
It’s a terrible thing to have to go through profound hearing loss. Communication is aggravating, exhausting, and challenging every day. It can cause people to stop doing what they enjoy and disengage from family and friends. If you don’t get help, it’s nearly impossible to be active while enduring significant hearing loss.
Individuals who have neglected hearing loss are afflicted by more than diminished hearing. They’re also more likely to experience the following
- Cognitive decline
- Other acute health problems
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Dementia
- Depression
- Anxiety
They’re also more likely to have problems with their personal friendships and may have challenges getting basic needs met.
people who suffer from hearing loss are impacted in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Healthcare costs
- Accident rates
- Insurance rates
- Disability rates
- Needs for public support
These factors show that hearing loss is a major challenge we need to combat as a society.
Why Are Multiple Generations Encountering Increased Hearing Loss?
The current rise in hearing loss can be attributed to several factors. One factor is the increased incidence of common diseases that can lead to hearing loss, such as:
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Obesity
- Poor diet and a lack of regular exercise
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
More people are dealing with these and associated conditions at earlier ages, which adds to additional hearing loss.
Lifestyle also plays a significant role in the increased prevalence of hearing loss. In recreational and work areas in particular, 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 sounds in more places. Young people who frequent the following places have the highest degree of hearing loss:
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Gyms
- Factories
- Shooting ranges
Moreover, many individuals are turning the volume of their music up to harmful volumes and are using earbuds. And a larger number of individuals are now using painkillers, either to manage chronic pain or recreationally. Continued, frequent use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been connected with an increased risk 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 step to reduce this growing trend with the following:
- Prevention
- Risk factors
- Treatment options
- Research
Individuals are being urged by these organizations to:
- Use their hearing aids
- Recognize their degree of hearing loss risk
- Get their hearing examined earlier in their lives
Hearing loss will worsen with any delay in these measures.
Solutions are being sought by government organizations, healthcare providers, and scientists. Hearing aid associated costs are also being addressed. Advanced hearing technology will be increased and lives will be significantly enhanced.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to develop comprehensive strategies. They are integrating education, awareness, and health services to decrease the risk of hearing loss among underserved communities.
Among their efforts, they’ve created research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders understand the health affects of noise. They work with communities to minimize resident’s noise exposure and instruct them on what safe levels of noise are. In addition, they’re furthering research on how opiate use and abuse can increase the danger of hearing loss.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so keep yourself informed. Share practical information with other people and take action to slow the development of your own hearing loss.
If you suspect you may be suffering from hearing loss, have your hearing examined. Make sure you get and wear your hearing aids if you find that you need them.
The main goal is to prevent all hearing loss. You’re helping others who are dealing with hearing loss realize that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re helping your community become more aware of the challenges of hearing loss. Policies, actions. and attitudes will then be transformed by this awareness.