Hearing Loss on The Rise for All Demographics

family gathered outside for party

Nobody tends to think about hearing loss until they notice issues developing. That doesn’t mean waiting until then to protect yourself against it. If you think that you’ll need to wait until later in life to do this, you’d be wrong. Increasing studies have shown that more and more people are developing hearing problems.

These are across all age demographics. That means that younger people will need to think about seeing an audiologist much sooner than they’d thought. There are multiple factors involved in this. Different causes are also at play. You’ll need to be aware of these to protect yourself against them.

Since prevention is integral to looking after your hearing, you’ll need to know what to be on the eye, or ear.

What Causes Hearing Loss in People Under 60?

Many people think that hearing issues are primarily a sign of getting older. While that could play a factor, it’s far from the only one. There are multiple other causes of hearing loss, even in people under 60. Loud music is one of the more notable, especially when you’re listening to it through earbuds. If other people can hear your music several feet away, then the volume is too high.

You should avoid noises above 85 decibels, which is about the sound of a motorcycle. That’s easier said than done, however. You can’t control what goes on in public, after all. There are several causes of hearing loss that you can prevent, however. The music you listen to can be one of the more notable. Keeping the volume low will be recommended.

Your phone could also be one of these causes. That can be for obvious reasons. A mobile phone with its volume turned all the way up comes in at about 105dB. Lowering these settings will naturally be recommended. Going to concerts could be another notable cause. The music will typically be relatively loud.

Staying far from the speakers will be recommended. Wearing earbuds or some other ear protection should also be done. These will let you hear the music at a more appropriate level. You shouldn’t miss out on the songs, and you’ll still get to protect your hearing. That makes it a win-win.

How Can This Affect Young People?

Since hearing loss is on the rise for all demographics, you’ll need to know how it might affect young people. They’ll have to put up with many of the same causes of hearing loss. They’ll also have more things to worry about. That’ll be in the short-term and long-term, such as after-school sports and college. To say it will have an impact on their lives would be an understatement.

Playing sports could be more difficult while they mightn’t be able to listen to teachers properly. That puts them at a disadvantage to their peers. That could naturally affect their future job prospects, alongside having an impact on their confidence. Multiple social issues can also come into play.

Young people with hearing issues find it difficult to connect with friends. That could have long-term implications. Mental health may be involved in this, as studies have linked hearing loss with depression and other illnesses.

There is a way to avoid this, however. Protecting your ears will be the most important part of this. Avoiding many of the causes of hearing issues is recommended. Coupled with that is speaking with an audiologist and having regular check-ups. Doing so will catch problems early, so they can be addressed before they get too large.

Then there are hearing aids, which could be more helpful than you’d realize. Not only does it address the issue itself, but it avoids the potential social implications, among others, associated with the ailment.

Getting these early, if they’re needed, is more than recommended.

Know When to Consult an Audiologist

With hearing loss being on the rise for all demographics, looking after your ears has never been so vital. Avoiding persistent loud noises and the other causes of hearing loss is recommended. They’re not the only things you can do. Consulting an audiologist is always recommended. You’ll be examined and receive advice from an expert. That could prove integral to looking after your hearing.

They can also help you with hearing aids, which you may end up needing.

At Professional Hearing Aid Associates, we believe in giving you an amazing service. Our highly trained staff can help you with your hearing aids and related needs. Get in touch today at (785) 940-4101 to schedule an appointment.