Reducing Hearing Loss Risk in Young People

Fast Facts

Over 1 billion young people worldwide are at risk for hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits.

Listening to personal devices at 105 decibels or attending events with noise levels up to 112 decibels significantly exceeds safe listening thresholds.

Simple changes, such as lowering volume to 60% and using noise-canceling headphones, can greatly reduce the risk of hearing damage.

A staggering number of young people worldwide may be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits. A study published in BMJ Global Health highlights that between 670 million and 1.35 billion individuals aged 12–34 engage in practices that could cause irreversible hearing damage. Simple changes in daily habits could significantly reduce this risk.

Key Findings from the Study

Lead author Lauren Dillard, PhD, AuD, a postdoctoral fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina, emphasized the increasing threat posed by the widespread use of personal listening devices. These devices are not only easily accessible but are also used for extended periods, often at high volumes. The study reviewed 33 studies from 2000 to 2021, revealing that young people routinely listen to content at around 105 decibels, while the average noise level at various venues ranged between 104 and 112 decibels. These levels significantly exceed the recommended limit of 85 decibels over a 40-hour week.

Duration and Volume Critical Factors

Tracy Winn, AuD, a clinical audiologist at Northwestern University, pointed out that both the loudness and duration of noise exposure are crucial in determining potential hearing damage. Even moderate noise levels can cause damage if exposure is prolonged. Sudden bursts of loud noise, such as gunshots or firecracker explosions, can cause immediate damage, but the consistent use of earbuds can also be detrimental over time.

Protecting Your Hearing

Winn advises giving your ears regular breaks and being mindful of volume levels. The general rule is that if someone next to you can hear your music through your earbuds, the volume is too high. Modern venues often compete to be the loudest, making ear protection essential during concerts and sporting events. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help mitigate the risk.

Adopting Safer Listening Habits

Dr. Dillard and Winn recommend several strategies to protect hearing health:

Keep the Volume Low: Maintain the volume at about 60% of the device’s maximum.
Use Noise-Canceling Headphones: These reduce background noise, minimizing the need to increase volume.
Protect Your Ears in Noisy Environments: Wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones and avoid sitting near speakers.
Limit Listening Time: Reduce the amount of time spent on noisy activities or using headphones.
Monitor Listening Practices: Utilize built-in safe listening features on devices or download apps to monitor sound exposure.

Recognizing the Signs of Hearing Loss

It’s crucial to be aware of early signs of hearing loss, such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds or following conversations. If you have concerns, consult with a doctor and consider using apps like the World Health Organization’s hearWHO app to check your hearing before an appointment

Awareness and proactive measures are key to preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Young people, in particular, need to understand the long-term consequences of unsafe listening habits. By adopting safer practices, they can enjoy their favorite activities without compromising their hearing health.