Teen hearing loss is on the rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). It’s estimated that 13–17% of adolescents ages 12–19 have measurable hearing loss. The most common reason for adolescent or teen hearing loss is noise exposure, which causes noise-induced hearing loss, or NIHL.
What Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Noise-induced hearing loss, as the name implies, occurs when exposure to loud noise causes significant damage to the inner ear, affecting hearing health and even causing hearing loss. Depending on the length of exposure, volume of the loud noise and the extent of the damage, NIHL can be temporary or permanent.
Sound is measured in decibels. The higher the decibel, the louder and more intense the sound. You can reference decibel levels to monitor whether a sound is too loud and could cause damage. Noises at or above 85 decibels can damage hearing over time, and the louder it gets, the faster the damage occurs. A single loud noise at or above 120 decibels, like firecrackers or a gunshot, can cause immediate hearing loss. For reference, normal conversation is around 60 decibels.
Fortunately, while hearing loss is permanent, NIHL is preventable, and it’s never too late to start taking measures to protect your teen’s hearing.
How Can I Help My Teen Prevent Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
The best prevention strategy is to turn the volume down. Remind your teen to use a lower volume when listening to music or TV, especially if they’re using headphones. Furthermore, consider using noise-cancelling headphones; if the background noise isn’t invading the listening experience, your teen is less likely to turn the volume up higher to drown it out.
When in noisy environments, like concerts, encourage them to stand back from the stage to get some distance from the speakers and to wear foam earplugs. They should consider earmuffs if engaging in loud recreational activities, like riding ATVs. Also, remind them to step away and take breaks from these environments whenever possible to give their ears a chance to recover.
There are sound-level meter apps that report on the decibel level of the noise around you. Encourage your teen to put this app on their phone and to check it regularly.
Remember that the example you set is also a significant factor. Use these same strategies to protect your own hearing health and demonstrate to your teen how to protect their ears.
What Are Common Signs of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss?
Be alert if your teen complains about any of the following:
- Muffled sounds
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
- A feeling of fullness or pressure inside their ear
- Difficulty hearing background noise or high-pitched sounds, such as an alarm clock or birds singing
How Is Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Managed?
If you’re concerned that your teen has or is developing NIHL, contact an audiologist for a hearing test. Don’t wait if you start seeing signs of NIHL in your teen; the sooner you check on their hearing, the sooner you can start taking steps together to prevent it from progressing further.