Hearing loss is currently a public health problem and scientists believe that it will become much more common for individuals in their 20’s to be wearing hearing aids.
The majority of people think of the elderly when they consider extreme hearing loss. But over the last few years, there has been an increase in hearing loss impacting all age groups. Increased hearing loss among all ages further illustrates that hearing loss isn’t an “aging problem,” but a growing crisis.
With adults 20 and older, researchers forecast that hearing loss will increase by 40%. The healthcare community sees this as a major public health problem. One in five people is, according to John Hopkins medical research, having a difficult time communicating as a result of extreme hearing loss.
Hearing loss is increasing amongst all age groups and here is why experts think that is.
Added Health Problems Can be The Outcome of Hearing Loss
Severe hearing loss is an awful thing to cope with. Communication is aggravating, fatiguing, and challenging every day. People can frequently disengage from their family and friends and stop doing the things they enjoy. When you’re enduring significant hearing loss, it will be impossible to be active without getting help.
It’s not only diminished hearing that individuals with neglected hearing loss suffer from. They’re also more likely to develop the following
- Other severe health problems
- Cognitive decline
- Injuries from repeated falls
They also have difficulty getting their everyday needs met and are more likely to have problems with personal relationships.
In combination with the affect on their personal lives, individuals going through hearing loss might face increased:
- Accident rates
- Disability rates
- Needs for public support
- Healthcare costs
- Insurance costs
We need to combat hearing loss as a society because as these factors demonstrate, hearing loss is a significant obstacle.
Why Are Numerous Generations Encountering Increased Hearing Loss?
The current increase in hearing loss can be attributed to several factors. One factor is the increased prevalence of common diseases that can cause hearing loss, such as:
- Poor diet and a lack of consistent exercise
- Anxiety and unmanaged stress
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
More people are experiencing these and related conditions at younger ages, which leads to added hearing loss.
Increased prevalence of hearing loss also has a lot to do with lifestyle. Exposure to loud noises is more prevalent, especially in recreation areas and work environments. We’re being exposed to loud noises and music in more places and modern technology is getting louder. Young people who frequent the following places have the highest level of hearing loss:
- Shooting ranges
- Bars, clubs, and concerts
Also, many people are turning the volume of their music up to dangerous volumes and are wearing earbuds. And more individuals are managing pain with painkillers or taking them recreationally. Opiates, ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen will raise your risk of hearing loss especially if used over a extended period of time.
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 trying to prevent this upward trend by educating the public on hearing loss such as:
- Risk factors
- Treatment options
These organizations also encourage individuals to:
- Get their hearing examined earlier in their lives
- Know their level of hearing loss risk
- Wear their hearing aids
Any delays in these actions make the impact of hearing loss substantially worse.
Solutions are being sought by government organizations, healthcare providers, and scientists. Hearing aid associated costs are also being addressed. This will help improve accessibility to advanced hearing technologies that significantly enhance lives.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with scientists and organizations to create in depth strategies. Decreasing the danger of hearing loss among underserved communities is being addressed with health services, education, and awareness.
Among their efforts, they’ve formulated research-based guidelines for communities, which help local leaders recognize 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 raise the chance of hearing loss.
Can You do Anything?
Hearing loss is a public health problem so remain informed. Share useful information with others and take steps to slow the development of your own hearing loss.
Have your own hearing examined if you suspect you’re suffering from hearing loss. If you discover you need hearing aids, be sure to wear them.
The final goal is to prevent all hearing loss. You’re helping other people who are dealing with hearing loss realize that they’re not alone when you wear your hearing aids. You’re bringing awareness about the problem of hearing loss in your community. This awareness has the power to change attitudes, actions, and policies.