Think you are not old enough to have to worry about hearing loss? Well, think again. Young adults are at risk of hearing loss, too. The CDC says hearing loss in people in their 20’s is more common than you may think. There has been an increase in hearing loss across all age groups in recent years. This is a public health concern.

Lifestyle plays a role in higher rates of hearing loss. We are being exposed to more loud sounds now than in the past. We are frequently turning up our earbuds to dangerously high levels for long durations of time. We are risking our hearing more now than ever before. It is a misconception that only seniors must worry about hearing loss. Young people are often most at risk for exposure to loud noise in places like the gym, bars, clubs, concerts, shooting ranges, and factories. It’s recommended to get your hearing evaluated, even when you’re young. You should also discuss with a hearing care professional your hearing loss risk and what can be done to mitigate those risks.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss 

• Frequent and repeated exposure to noise that is above recommended safety levels can cause you to lose your hearing. 
• 17% of American teens may show signs of noise-induced hearing loss. 
  

Do you notice any of these signs of hearing loss?

• Impaired ability to understand speech 
• Muffled or distorted sounds
• Turning up the tv or music volume 
  

These changes happen slowly which makes the signs both difficult to recognize and easy to ignore. This is concerning because hearing loss is linked to many other health problems.

Communication effects social relationships as well as professional ones. Communication is already very demanding, but it is increasingly fatiguing when dealing with a hearing loss. Those with hearing loss often withdraw from their friends and family and even stop doing things they enjoy. If you neglect your hearing loss, you are more likely to experience other problems such as:

• Anxiety and depression
• Cognitive decline
• Dementia
• Injuries from recurring falls
• Other health problems
  

Untreated hearing loss not only affects your relationships and health, those with hearing loss might also have increased:

• Healthcare expenses
• Disability rates
• Accident rates
• Insurance costs
  

The young are particularly at risk of accumulating costs from untreated hearing loss over their lifetime. Around 60% of those with hearing loss are in work or educational settings. Untreated hearing loss can affect your professional life when your job performance is put at risk. Don’t risk your financial security. The best thing you can do is treat your hearing loss as early as possible. You will be able to follow conversations with ease as well as create and maintain relationships during these formative years. Reach your professional goals without untreated hearing loss holding you back. Set yourself up for success by reaching out to a hearing care professional. 

Have you been ignoring your hearing loss? It makes you look older when you struggle to hear instead of wearing today’s sleek, modern technology that can bring you back into the world around you. Seeking professional help is your best bet to find treatment options that work for your needs. An evaluation is the first step to improving your quality of life. We are here for you. Contact us now.