The Teen Hearing Loss Epidemic

Hearing loss in teens is becoming an epidemic in this country, with 1 in 5 teenagers measured as experiencing some form of hearing loss in 2010 (the date of the most recent study). My guess is that the numbers are much higher today given the ubiquitous use of earbuds and the frequent exposure that children have to loud noise at parties, movies and other venues.

This is of tremendous concern to me because I have an adult-onset genetic hearing loss, and I worry that I may have passed it onto my two children. We won’t know for 15 years or so, but I require my children to protect their hearing now to preserve it in case problems strike later. I never want them to feel the isolation and sadness that can come from missing the joke when everyone else is laughing, or the inconvenience of missed trains and planes because PA announcements were not heard. None of us want that for our children.

That is why this is also an important issue for those with normal hearing. As the world gets louder, the risk of hearing damage becomes higher for everyone, and particularly for our children who are exposed to louder and louder sounds every day. Once hearing loss occurs, it cannot be reversed, although Hearing Health Foundation and others are funding research to find a cure.

What are the facts? Prolonged exposure to any noise at or above 85 decibels can cause gradual hearing loss. This is the level of heavy city traffic or a school cafeteria. At 105 decibels, the maximum volume of an MP3 player, some hearing loss can occur within 15 minutes. At 110 decibels, the level of a rock concert or loud sporting event, damage can occur after one minute. 

Source: Hearing Health Foundation

I am amazed at the volume levels of so many “child-friendly” venues like bowling alleys, movie theaters, birthday party spaces, and even schools. I have an app on my phone that measures the loudness of sound. Last year I clocked the volume at my children’s talent show at more than 90 decibels. This is a damaging level of sound!

The good news is that noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable! Some suggestions: Wear earbuds or earmuffs in loud situations to block sound and lower its impact on your ears. Turn down the volume on MP3 players to safe listening levels. Talk to your schools and the other places that you frequent about turning down the volume of background music or retrofitting space to include sound absorbing carpet on the floors or acoustical tiles on the ceilings and walls.

And please share this post with loved ones, friends, schools, and whoever else you think can help spread the word about the importance and ease of preventing noise-induced hearing loss. We must educate our children about the importance of protecting their hearing. Together, we can make a difference for our families and for their future.

Shari Eberts is a hearing health advocate, writer and speaker. She blogs at Living With Hearing Loss and serves on the board of Hearing Health Foundation, a non-profit organization funding research into biological treatments and cures for hearing loss and tinnitus. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter.