An estimated 50% of individuals over the age of 75 have some level of hearing loss and that’s why most people think of it as a problem for older people. But in spite of the fact that in younger people it’s totally preventable, studies show that they too are in danger of experiencing hearing loss.
One study of 479 freshmen across three high schools revealed that 34% of those students showed indications of hearing loss. What could be causing this? The thought is that mobile devices with earbuds connected are contributing to the problem. And everyone’s at risk.
Why do people under 60 get hearing loss?
If other people can hear your music, it’s too loud and that’s a basic rule for teenagers and everyone. Harm to your hearing can occur when you listen to sounds above 85 decibels – which is about the volume of a vacuum cleaner – for an extended period of time. A normal mobile device with the volume turned up to the max is about 106 decibels. In this situation, damage starts to occur in under 4 minutes.
While this sounds like common sense stuff, the reality is that kids spend well over two hours every day on their devices, often with their earphones or earbuds plugged in. They’re playing games, watching footage, or listening to music during this time. And this will only increase over the next several years, if we’re to believe present research. Research shows that smartphones and other screens trigger dopamine production in younger kids’ brains, which is the same reaction caused by addictive drugs. Kids’ hearing will suffer as it becomes more challenging to get them to put their screens down.
The risks of hearing loss in young people
Clearly, hearing loss creates several difficulties for anybody, regardless of age. Younger people, however, face additional issues regarding academics, after-school activities, and even job possibilities. Students with hearing loss face an especially difficult time hearing and comprehending concepts. 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 obstacles due to hearing loss.
Social problems can also persist as a result of hearing loss. Kids who have damaged hearing have a harder time connecting with peers, which frequently causes social and emotional issues that require therapy. Individuals who suffer with hearing loss often feel isolated and experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Treating hearing loss often needs to go hand-in-hand with mental health treatment, particularly during the crucial developmental stages experienced by kids and teenagers.
How young people can avoid hearing loss
Using earbuds or headphones for no more than 60 minutes a day and at a volume 60% of max or less (the 60/60 rule) is the first rule to observe. Even at 60%, if other people can still hear the music, it needs to be turned down.
You may also want to ditch the earbuds and opt for the older style over-the-ear headphones. Earbuds put directly in the ear can actually generate 6 to 9 extra decibels when compared to traditional headphones.
Whatever you can do to limit your child’s exposure to loud sounds throughout the day will be helpful. You can’t control everything they do during school or on the bus, so try to make the time they’re at home free of headphones. And if you do suspect your child is suffering from hearing loss, you should have them examined right away.
References
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
https://time.com/4989275/young-children-tablets-mobile-devices/
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52500-Hearing-loss-among-kids-and-teens
https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/protecting-your-hearing-means-protecting-your-mental-health
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/earbuds.html