When was the last time you saw a young person without earbuds in their ears? Whether they’re walking down the street, jogging, or relaxing, they often have music or podcasts playing. But as technology progresses, so does the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among young people. It’s a growing concern that requires awareness and actionable steps to address. This article explores the causes, risks, and solutions for preventing hearing loss, focusing on practical steps teens and parents can take to safeguard hearing health.
Understanding Decibel Settings and Their Impact
Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and higher decibels increase the risk of hearing damage. Any sound at or above 85 dB can damage hearing over time. Many teens are unaware of the noise levels they’re exposed to daily through headphones, concerts, or even school events.
A study conducted in 2020 found that around 24% of young people between ages 12 and 35 regularly listen to music at unsafe levels, typically between 94 and 110 dB. In response, the World Health Organization issued guidelines in 2022 suggesting a safer listening range, recommending a default volume of 70-85 dB. Parents can set this range on devices to reduce the risk of NIHL for their children.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Not Just an “Old Person” Issue
Hearing loss is commonly associated with aging, but young people are increasingly affected. Loud music, concerts, and other high-decibel environments expose teens to noise levels that damage hearing over time. A 2020 study found that around 5.2 million young people aged 6 to 19 already show signs of hearing damage due to high decibel exposure.
This phenomenon underscores the need for immediate preventative action, as continued exposure can lead to long-term or even permanent hearing loss. The louder the noise and the longer the exposure, the quicker the hearing damage occurs, making it essential for young people to understand and respect the power of sound.
Why Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Matters for Teens and Children
For teens and young children, even slight hearing loss can impact crucial aspects of development, such as:
- Communication and Speech Development: Difficulty hearing can lead to missed information and potential speech delays in younger children.
- Classroom Learning: Not being able to hear clearly affects understanding and concentration, impacting academic performance.
- Social Skills: Hearing loss can make social interactions challenging, as the child may miss conversational cues or be unable to participate fully.
Noise-induced hearing loss often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Therefore, parents, teachers, and teens themselves need to prioritize preventive measures for long-term hearing health.
Effective Strategies for Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Teens
- Educate About NIHL
Discuss the risks of loud sounds and how NIHL can develop. Explain how decibel levels work and emphasize the importance of keeping device volumes at a safe level. - Monitor Device Volume Settings
Parents can use built-in parental controls on smartphones, tablets, and computers to limit maximum volume. Setting the device to a maximum of 70-85 dB can significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage. - Set an Example
Practice safe listening habits yourself. When teens see adults prioritizing their hearing health, they’re more likely to adopt similar practices. - Limit Earbud and Headphone Usage
Encourage teens to limit their time using headphones or earbuds, especially in noisy environments where they’re more likely to raise the volume. Headphones that fit over the ear can be safer as they often have better noise-canceling capabilities than earbuds, reducing the need for higher volume. - Maintain Safe Distances from Loud Sources
Encourage young people to stand further away from loudspeakers at concerts or sporting events. This simple adjustment can reduce sound levels by several decibels, minimizing the risk of damage. - Encourage Ear Protection at Loud Events
Providing earplugs for concerts, sporting events, or other noisy environments can help reduce the risk of damage. Many musicians and concertgoers use high-fidelity earplugs that allow them to enjoy music without experiencing harmful noise levels. - Help Teens Check Noise Levels
Educate teens on how to use decibel-measuring apps to gauge the sound levels around them. These apps are a fun and interactive way for young people to take control of their hearing health and make informed choices. - Breaks from Noise
Encourage teens to take listening breaks, allowing their ears time to recover. Short breaks throughout the day can make a big difference, especially for those who regularly use earbuds.
Identifying Early Warning Signs of Hearing Loss
Parents should stay alert to potential signs of NIHL in teens, such as:
- Difficulty Hearing Conversations
If a child often asks people to repeat themselves or seems to have trouble following conversations, it might be a sign of early hearing loss. - Turning Up Volume Levels
Teens who consistently increase the volume on their devices, the television, or even speakers may already be experiencing some level of hearing loss. - Struggling to Hear in Noisy Environments
If a child has trouble distinguishing voices in a crowded or noisy place, it could be a warning sign of hearing issues. - Signs of Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or a persistent ringing in the ears, often indicates hearing damage. If a teen mentions hearing ringing or buzzing, it’s important to address it promptly with a healthcare professional.
Professional Help: When to See a Hearing Specialist
Early intervention can prevent further damage if hearing loss is detected. Parents should consider consulting an audiologist if their child shows signs of hearing difficulties. Regular hearing tests can also provide a baseline for monitoring changes over time.
How a Hearing Specialist Can Help
- Assess Current Hearing Health
Hearing tests will determine the extent of any existing hearing damage. - Provide Protective Strategies
Audiologists can recommend ear protection and educate young people on preserving hearing health. - Ongoing Monitoring
For teens exposed to loud environments frequently, periodic check-ups can catch hearing issues early.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Awareness in Oklahoma City and Tulsa
Organizations like Hearts for Hearing work to spread awareness and provide services for individuals at risk of NIHL. With a proactive approach, families in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and beyond can help prevent NIHL and support hearing health for young people.
Organizations and clinics offer:
- Community Education
Programs that educate families about noise-induced hearing loss and preventive measures. - Resources for Parents and Schools
Information on setting safe device volume levels and teaching students about hearing health. - Accessible Hearing Assessments
Affordable and accessible options for hearing screenings can identify potential issues early.
Taking Responsibility: Teens, Parents, and Educators
Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, but it requires commitment from everyone—teens, parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals. By combining education with practical actions like setting device limits, using ear protection, and scheduling regular hearing checks, we can build awareness and reduce the risk of NIHL among young people.
Contact Hearts for Hearing for a hearing examination if your child is exhibiting any hearing loss, if they increase the sound on the TV, or you need to repeat instructions or talk louder to get their attention.
Sources: Noisy Planet (nih.gov)
Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Children – ENT Health
Teen Newsletter: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss | David J. Sencer CDC Museum | CDC
