Hearing loss expected to dramatically increase
/This post originally appeared on Starkey.com
As today’s latest hearing fact shows, hearing loss is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, according to a recent study out of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. But what’s more, the researchers called this surprising statistic a “major public health issue.”
So, what does it all mean for us?
Read on to get the full scoop on the study, the impact, and what you can do about your own hearing health, moving forward.
Study uncovered impactful increase in hearing loss from 2020–2060
How the study unfolded: Researchers applied the estimated proportion of US adults aged 20-plus years with hearing loss—mild, moderate or greater (taken from the National Health and Nutrition Survey)—to 10-year population estimates from 2020 through 2060.
The results of their efforts showed that the number of US adults aged 20 years or older with hearing loss is expected to increase to 73.50 million by 2060.
The greatest escalation is projected among older adults: Specifically, the number of adults 70 years and older with hearing loss is forecasted to increase from 55.4% in 2020 to 67.4% by 2060.
Understandably, the researchers deemed their findings a “major public health issue.”
With this expected boost in hearing loss, they contended that greater focus should be paid to reducing the incidence and progression of hearing loss (resulting in treatment) to reduce strain on future healthcare resources and subsequent health issues in patients.
Reminder: The potential impact hearing loss can have on overall health includes increased risk of loneliness and isolation, cognitive decline, falls, and beyond.
So, where do we go from here? How can we play an individual role in reducing this public health issue associated with hearing loss?
Start prioritizing your hearing health.
Schedule regular exams and treat any hearing loss
Getting your hearing evaluated regularly by a licensed hearing care professional not only can help prevent the possible long-term detriments of hearing loss, but also plays an immediate role in the early intervention of age-related hearing loss—which is gradual and often difficult to detect.
This is important because the longer hearing loss goes untreated, the more challenging it can become to treat.
And let’s face it: Who really wants to miss out on any more conversations, meaningful moments, favorite entertainment, or other joys of hearing that enrich our lives? (Yep, we thought so.)
So, if you think you may have hearing loss, or even if you’re unsure, you can:
Start by telling your physician
They can refer you to a licensed hearing care professional in the same way they might refer you to a dermatologist for skin issues. A hearing specialist will have the equipment and expertise to evaluate your hearing and counsel you through treatment options for any hearing issues you may be experiencing.
ORVisit a hearing care professional yourself
As it stands, experts recommend having your hearing screened every three years once you’re 50. So, you can feel empowered to make it a part of your annual health checks. Hearing evaluations are simple and pain-free, and can easily be set up with a hearing care professional near you.
Learn more on the importance of getting your hearing evaluated here.
Hearing technology can help you hear better and live better
If you have hearing loss and hearing aids are recommended, you’re still in great hands. Today’s advanced hearing technology goes beyond improving your hearing to enhancing your lifestyle as well: You can do things like monitor your hearing and health progress, control your hearing aids from your smartphone, and much more.
Simply type your zip code in here to generate a list of licensed hearing care professionals near you.
Seeing a provider and treating any hearing loss is the best gift you can give to yourself, your loved ones—and the greater community.
Need a hearing evaluation or want to look into new devices to improve your hearing health? Visit Chicagoland Hearing today — find the office closest to you here.
