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Youth

Hearing Loss Among Teens on the Rise

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A disturbing trend among teenagers in the United States has emerged, with nearly one in five teens suffering from hearing loss. A study found that the prevalence of hearing loss among 12- to 19-year-olds increased from about 15 percent to 19.5 percent between 1988 and 2006. The study's authors warn that slight hearing loss can lead to problems in school and may set the stage for hearing aids in later life. They also suggest that loud music through earbuds, particularly those used with digital music players, may be to blame.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prevalence of hearing loss among 12- to 19-year-olds increased from about 15 percent to 19.5 percent between 1988 and 2006.
  • Extrapolating to the nation's teens, the study estimates that about 6.5 million have at least slight hearing loss.
  • The hearing loss was mostly "slight," defined as an inability to hear at 16 to 24 decibels, or sounds such as a whisper or rustling leaves.
  • Teenagers with slight hearing loss may have difficulty hearing consonant sounds, such as T, K, and S, and may have trouble understanding speech if it's not loud enough.
  • The study found a significant increase in high-frequency hearing loss, which may indicate that noise caused the problems.
  • A 2010 Australian study linked the use of personal listening devices to a 70 percent increased risk of hearing loss in children.
  • Today's young people listen to music for longer periods than previous generations, with some listening at levels that exceed federal workplace exposure limits.
  • Parental involvement is crucial, as they can set volume limits on their child's digital music player and lock it to prevent further damage.
  • Audiologists like Brian Fligor are working to raise awareness about the risks of loud music and to encourage proactive measures to prevent hearing loss.

Statistics:

  • 15-19.5 percent: Increase in hearing loss among 12- to 19-year-olds between 1988 and 2006.
  • 6.5 million: Estimated number of teens in the U.S. with at least slight hearing loss, based on the study's findings.
  • 70 percent: Increased risk of hearing loss associated with the use of personal listening devices, according to a 2010 Australian study.
  • 85 decibels: Volume level that can exceed federal workplace exposure limits, according to Brian Fligor.
  • 65 million: Estimated number of teens in the U.S. with hearing loss, as suggested by the 2010 Toronto Star.

Sources:

  • The study is based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • The findings appear in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.
  • 2010 Australian study: "Association between Personal Listening Device Use and Hearing Loss in Young People" ( Journal of the American Medical Association)
  • 2010 Toronto Star: "Teen hearing loss linked to loud music"

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