Study Shows Major Increase in Teenage Hearing Loss

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that as many as one in five teenagers are currently suffering from hearing loss. This represents a startling 31% increase in teen hearing loss since statistics were first compiled in 1988. These sobering statistics will likely have a major impact as the current teenage population ages. With nearly half of all Americans showing signs of hearing loss by the age of 69, this could mean that soon a majority of the population will experience this condition at earlier and earlier ages.
According to the study authors, “adolescent hearing loss in particular is not well understood, although it is common, and can have important educational and social implications. Some risk factors, such as loud sound exposure from music listening, may be of particular importance to adolescents as well.” Research suggests that headphones, particularly earbud style headphones, may be a major contributor to this problem.

The Problem of Teenage Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is generally broken down into three categories: Conductive hearing loss (CHL), Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and mixed hearing loss, which is a combination of the two types. Conductive hearing loss generally involves a physical obstruction or issue with the hearing system components, which is caused by infection, damage, water or a congenital condition. Sensorineural hearing loss involves the neurological aspect of hearing function, and is caused by aging, certain medications and exposure to a dangerous amount of sound for long periods of time.

The tricky thing about sound exposure is that it doesn’t take much time for very loud sounds to cause damage. Likewise, even sounds that are just slightly too loud can cause damage if there is long-term exposure. 85 decibels is considered to be the cutoff for damaging sound, with anything above that causing damage with long-term exposure. This amount of sound is a little more than a piano played at full volume, but less than a motorcycle engine. Chainsaws are about 104 decibels (db), concert sound systems operate at about 110-125db, and an airplane takeoff can be more than 140db. Even a short exposure to sounds at this high level can cause immediate damage.

Preventing Teen Hearing Loss in Mesa, Arizona

One of the things that may be the most helpful for teens hoping to prevent hearing loss is to lower the volume of their headphones. This may be easier with higher quality headphones that do a better job of blocking ambient noise, and provide improved sound clarity. With improved sound clarity, it is not necessary to have the volume set at a high level, which can prevent damage. Over the ear headphones are often better than earbud-style headphones. If you are concerned about possible hearing loss, an audiology appointment may be very helpful for determining any current damage and accessing risk or hearing loss.

Contact Fynes Audiology to Find Out More

To learn more about teenage, child or adult hearing loss, or to schedule an appointment for a teenager in your life, please contact Fynes Audiology today.