Hearing loss is usually considered an older person’s problem – in fact, it’s estimated that almost 50% of individuals aged 75 and older copes with some form of hearing loss. But in spite of the fact that in younger individuals it’s entirely preventable, research shows that they too are in danger of developing hearing loss.
As a matter of fact, 34% of the 479 freshmen who were studied across 4 high schools showed symptoms of hearing loss. What could be causing this? Researchers suspect that earbuds and headphones linked to mobile devices are contributing to the problem. And everyone’s at risk.
What causes hearing loss in individuals under 60?
There’s a simple rule regarding earbud volume for teenagers and everybody else – if someone else can hear your music, then it’s too loud. Harm to your hearing can occur when you listen to sounds louder than 85 decibels – which is approximately the sound of a vacuum cleaner – for an extended period of time. A typical mobile device with the volume turned all the way up clocks in at about 106 decibels. Used in this way, 4 minutes is enough to cause injury.
While this seems like common sense stuff, the reality is that kids spend well over two hours a day on their devices, often with their earphones or earbuds in. They’re playing games, watching videos, or listening to music during this time. And this will only increase over the next several years, if we’re to believe current research. Studies show that smartphones and other screens trigger dopamine production in younger kids’ brains, which is the same reaction caused by addictive drugs. It will be more and more difficult to get screens away from kids, and their hearing could suffer because of it.
Young people are in danger of hearing loss
Obviously, hearing loss creates multiple challenges for anyone, regardless of age. For younger people though, after school activities, sports, and job possibilities produce additional challenges. Hearing loss at a young age leads to issues with paying attention and understanding concepts during class, which puts the student at a disadvantage. It also makes playing sports much more difficult, since so much of sports involves listening to coaches and teammates giving directions and calling plays. Young adults and teenagers entering the workforce can face unnecessary roadblocks caused by hearing loss.
Hearing loss can also result in social issues. Kids often develop emotional and social issues which can require therapy if they have hearing loss. Mental health issues are prevalent in individuals of all ages who cope with hearing loss because they often feel isolated and experience anxiety and depression. Treating hearing loss often needs to go hand-in-hand with mental health treatment, particularly during the important developmental stages experienced by kids and teenagers.
Avoiding hearing loss when you’re young
Using earbuds or headphones for no more than 60 minutes per day and at a volume 60% of maximum or less (the 60/60 rule) is the first rule to follow. Even at 60%, if other people can still hear the music, it needs to be turned down.
You might also want to replace the earbuds and opt for the older style over-the-ear headphones. Compared to traditional headphones, earbuds placed inside of the ear canal can actually create 5 to 10 extra decibels.
Whatever you can do to reduce your child’s exposure to loud sounds throughout the day will help. You can’t control everything they do during school or on the bus, so try to make the time they’re at home headphone-free. And you should get a hearing assessment for your child if you think they might already be dealing with hearing loss.