Nearly Half of Teens Showing Potential Signs of Hearing Loss

Teen hearing loss may be on the rise, according to a new study commissioned by Siemens Hearing Instruments. In a recent U.S. survey of 500 teenagers ages 13–19, 46 percent of teens reported experiencing ringing, roaring, buzzing or pain in their ears after engaging in risky hearing practices, including listening to excessively loud music and using lawn and power tools with no hearing protection.

One in six teens admitted having these symptoms often or all the time. The nationwide survey was conducted by ReRez Research of Dallas, Texas to learn more about teens and their listening habits.

• One in six teens showing symptoms often or all of the time
• Nearly nine in ten engage in activities that may damage hearing

The findings also revealed that teens are aware of the risks, yet still choose not to protect their hearing. Nearly nine in ten (88 percent) of teens admit participating in activities they know may damage their hearing, with listening to loud music being the most popular. When asked what their parents or teachers would do if they knew how loud their music was, 78 percent of teens confessed they would tell them to lower the volume or wear protective gear.

To mitigate the risks of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), Siemens recommends the following:

• Prevention: The best way to deal with NIHL is to stop it before it happens. Buying headphones instead of earbuds keeps some of the direct sound out of teens’ ears. Ear protection should always be used in loud environments like concerts, sporting events and when operating power equipment.
  
  
• Stop future damage: If teens do experience symptoms like ringing or buzzing in their ears, they should immediately turn down the volume, wear ear protection, or see a hearing care professional.
  
  
• Move to the middle: When going to a concert or club, sitting in the middle of the room helps reduce noise exposure.
  
  
• Help a friend: Teens should warn one another if they’re putting their hearing at risk. If you can hear your neighbor’s music over the headphones, it’s too loud.
  
  
• Custom ear protection: Custom-molded musician’s earplugs and high-decibel earplugs are recommended for teens who play in bands or are frequently in loud environments.

Source: siemens.com

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