Hearing loss is currently a public health issue and scientists think that it will become a lot more common for people in their 20’s to be using hearing aids.
Most individuals think of the elderly when they consider severe hearing loss. But over the last few years, there has been a spike in hearing loss with all age groups. Increased hearing loss amongst all ages further demonstrates that hearing loss isn’t an “aging issue,” but a growing epidemic.
With adults 20 and older, researchers forecast that hearing loss will increase by 40%. This is seen as a public health problem 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 see why experts are so worried and what’s causing a spike in hearing loss among all age groups.
Hearing Loss Can Cause Further Health Problems
Severe hearing loss is an awful thing to go through. Day-to-day communication becomes difficult, aggravating, and exhausting. It can cause individuals to stop doing what they love and withdraw from friends and family. When you’re suffering from extreme hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without seeking help.
Those who have neglected hearing loss have problems with more than diminished hearing. They’re also more likely to experience the following
- Injuries from repeated falls
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dementia
- Other acute health problems
- Cognitive decline
They also have trouble getting their basic 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:
- Disability rates
- Accident rates
- Healthcare expenses
- Insurance rates
- Needs for public assistance
We need to fight hearing loss as a society because as these factors show, hearing loss is a significant obstacle.
What’s Contributing to Increased Hearing Loss Across Multiple Age Groups?
There are several factors causing the current rise in hearing loss. One factor is the increased prevalence of common conditions that can lead to hearing loss, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
These disorders and other associated conditions are contributing to additional hearing loss because they’re affecting people at younger ages.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a great deal to do with lifestyle. Exposure to loud sounds is more common, specifically 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:
- Gyms
- Shooting ranges
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Factories
Also, many people are turning the volume of their music up to hazardous levels and are wearing earbuds. And a greater number of people are now using painkillers, either to address chronic pain or recreationally. Prolonged, regular use of opiates, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin have also been connected with an increased danger of hearing loss.
How is Hearing Loss as a Health Problem Being Dealt With by Society?
Hearing loss is getting the attention of local, national, and world organizations. They’re doing work to end this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Risk factors
- Treatment options
- Research
- Prevention
Individuals are being encouraged by these organizations to:
- Get their hearing evaluated earlier in their lives
- Use their hearing aids
- Recognize their level of hearing loss risk
Any delays in these actions make the affect of hearing loss substantially worse.
Solutions are being sought by government organizations, healthcare providers, and scientists. Hearing aid associated costs are also being tackled. State-of-the-art hearing technology will be increased and lives will be dramatically improved.
Comprehensive strategies are being created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. Lowering the danger of hearing loss among underserved communities is being addressed with health services, education, and awareness.
Local leaders are being made aware of the health affect of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They describe what safe noise exposure is, and help communities reduce noise exposure for residents. They’re also advancing research into how hearing loss is raised with the use and abuse of opiates.
What You Can do?
Keep yourself informed as hearing loss is a public health problem. Take steps to slow the progression of your own hearing loss and share helpful information with other people.
Have your own hearing tested if you think you’re experiencing hearing loss. If you discover you need hearing aids, be sure to wear them.
The main goal is to stop all hearing loss. When you wear your hearing aids, you help people see they’re not alone. You’re helping your community become more aware of the struggles of hearing loss. Policies, actions. and attitudes will then be changed by this awareness.
