Hearing loss is presently a public health concern and scientists think that it will become much more common for people in their 20’s to be wearing hearing aids.
Most individuals think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But all age groups have had a recent rise in hearing loss over the past few years. Hearing loss clearly isn’t an aging issue it’s an increasing crisis and the rising instances among all age groups demonstrates this.
With adults 20 and up, researchers forecast that hearing loss will rise by 40%. The healthcare community sees this as a significant public health concern. One in five individuals is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating as a result of extreme hearing loss.
Let’s find out why experts are so worried and what’s contributing to an increase in hearing loss among all age groups.
Hearing Loss Can Cause Added Health Concerns
It’s a horrible thing to have to go through profound hearing loss. Everyday communication becomes challenging, aggravating, and fatiguing. It can cause individuals to stop doing what they love and disengage from friends and family. When you’re enduring extreme hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without seeking help.
It’s not only diminished hearing that people with neglected hearing loss are afflicted by. They’re also more likely to experience the following
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia
- Depression
- Other severe health conditions
- Anxiety
- Injuries from recurring falls
They also have difficulty getting their basic needs met and are more likely to have difficulties with personal relationships.
people who suffer from hearing loss are impacted in their personal lives and could also have increased:
- Needs for public assistance
- Accident rates
- Insurance rates
- Disability rates
- Healthcare expenses
We need to combat hearing loss as a society because as these factors reveal, hearing loss is a real challenge.
What’s Contributing to Increased Hearing Loss Across Multiple Generations?
The recent rise in hearing loss can be attributed to several factors. The increased instances of some common illnesses that trigger hearing loss is one factor, including:
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
- Obesity
More people are dealing with these and associated conditions at earlier ages, which contributes to additional hearing loss.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a lot to do with lifestyle. Exposure to loud sounds is more prevalent, especially in work environments and recreational areas. We’re being exposed to loud noises and music in more places and modern technology is getting louder. It’s often the younger age groups who have the highest amount of noise exposure in:
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
- Gyms
- Shooting ranges
- Factories
Furthermore, many people are choosing to use earbuds and crank their music up to dangerous levels. And more individuals are treating pain with painkillers or taking them recreationally. Opiates, aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen will increase your chance of hearing loss particularly if taken over a extended time periods.
How is Society Reacting to Hearing Loss as a Health Crisis?
Hearing loss is getting the attention of local, national, and world organizations. They’re educating the public as a step to reduce this growing trend with the following:
- Research
- Treatment options
- Risk factors
- Prevention
These organizations also encourage individuals to:
- Have their hearing checked earlier in their lives
- Recognize their degree of hearing loss risk
- Wear their hearing aids
Any delays in these activities make the affect of hearing loss substantially worse.
Solutions are being looked for by government organizations, healthcare providers, and scientists. Hearing aid associated costs are also being tackled. Advanced hearing technology will be increased and lives will be dramatically enhanced.
Comprehensive approaches are being created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations as well as scientists. Lowering the risk of hearing loss in underserved communities is being tackled with health services, education, and awareness.
Local leaders are being made aware of the health impact of noise by being given researched-based guidelines for communities. They show what safe noise exposure is, and help communities minimize noise exposure for residents. Additionally, they’re facilitating research on how opiate use and abuse can raise the risk of hearing loss.
What You Can do?
Keep yourself informed as hearing loss is a public health issue. Take measures to slow the progression of your own hearing loss and share practical information with other people.
Have your own hearing tested if you suspect you are experiencing hearing loss. Be sure you get and wear your hearing aids if you discover that you need them.
The ultimate goal is to prevent all hearing loss. You’re helping other people who are dealing with hearing loss understand that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. Policies, actions. and attitudes will then be transformed by this awareness.