Hearing Loss on The Rise For All Demographics

Typically, loss of hearing is thought of as a problem only effecting older people – in fact, it's estimated that nearly 50% of people who have hearing loss are 75 or older. But new research reveals that younger people are at risk for hearing loss – and, alarmingly, they are losing their hearing even though it's absolutely preventable.

A study of 479 freshmen from three high schools carried out by The National Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing found that 34% of those students showed signs of hearing loss. The reason? Mobile devices with earbuds or headphones connected are suspected to be the primary cause. And older individuals are also at risk.

In People Who Are Under The Age of 60, What Causes Loss of Hearing?

There's a simple rule concerning earbud volume for teenagers and everybody else – the volume is too high if other people can hear your music. Your hearing can be injured when you listen to sounds higher than 85 decibels – about the volume of a vacuum cleaner – for a prolonged time period. If the volume is turned all the way up on a standard mobile device it's volume is approximately 106 decibels. In this scenario, injury begins to occur in less than 4 minutes.

While this sounds like common sense stuff, the truth is kids spend around two hours each day on their devices, often with their earphones or earbuds plugged in. During this time they're watching videos, listening to music, or playing games. And if current research is to be believed, this time will only get longer over the next few years. Studies demonstrate that dopamine is activated by smartphones and other devices with screens, in younger kids' brains, which is exactly what addictive drugs do. It will be more and more difficult to get kids to put down their screens, and their hearing could suffer as a result.

The Challenges of Hearing Loss in Young People

Clearly, loss of hearing offers several struggles to anybody, irrespective of the age. Young people, however, face additional problems pertaining to after school sports, job prospects, or even academics. The student is disadvantaged if they have a difficult time hearing and understanding concepts in class because of early loss of hearing. And because sports involve a lot of listening to coaches and teammates calling plays, sports become a lot more difficult. Early hearing loss can have a detrimental effect on confidence as well, which puts needless roadblocks in the way of teens and younger adults who are joining the workforce.

Hearing loss can also cause persistent social struggles. Kids with damaged hearing have a more difficult time interacting with friends, which frequently results in emotional and social problems that require therapy. Mental health troubles are ordinary in people of all ages who have hearing loss because they typically feel isolated and have depression and anxiety. Dealing with hearing loss in many cases must go hand-in-hand with mental health therapy, particularly during the significant formative stages experienced by kids and teenagers.

Preventing Hearing Loss

The first rule to adhere to is the 60/60 rule – devices and earbuds should only be used for 60 minutes a day at 60% or less of the maximum volume. If you can hear your kids headphones, even if if the volume is at 60%, you should ask them to turn the volume down.

You may also choose to say goodbye to the earbuds and choose the older style over-the-ear headphones. Conventional headphones can generate almost 10% less volume compared to in-ear models.

Throughout the day in general, you need to do anything you can to limit your exposure to loud sound. You can't control everything, so try and make the time you're listening to music free of headphones. If you do think you are suffering from hearing loss, you should see us as soon as possible.