Some 1.1 billion teenagers and young adults are at high risk for hearing loss. This is because of extreme exposure to loud noises, like the use of headphones, sounds from smartphones, nightclubs, concert venues, bars, and sporting events.
Every time you are exposed to loud music or noises, you increase the risk of hearing loss. Hearing loss can affect more than just the ears though, it can negatively affect educational or employment responsibilities, mental and physical health. According to recent studies, more than 50% of young teens are exposed to noise levels that are too high from personal devices, and another 40% are exposed to noises too loud from entertainment venues.
Risks of damage to hearing from music include:
- the duration of exposure to loud music
- the distance of how close one is the speaker or source of music
- the loudness of music
- hereditary family hearing loss
Because teenagers and young adults are exposed to such loud noises, the threat of hearing loss is more common now than ever. Tinnitus, a ringing in the ears, is another side effect one can suffer from if exposed to loud noises too often. Safe listening depends on the duration and intensity of the sound one is hearing.
Here are some simple preventive actions teenagers and young adults can take to continue to enjoy themselves without putting their hearing at such harmful risks:
- listening to personal devices through headphones one hour per day
- Avoiding the maximum volume limit on headphones or speakers
- standing further away from the speakers/source of music
- wearing earplugs in extremely noisy venues
- limiting the use and taking breaks from loud music, tv, or personal device usage
If you have related to more than one of these signs, you may want to get your hearing checked. If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, give the licensed professionals at Shea Hearing Aid Center a call at (901) 415-6667 for a FREE evaluation.