Younger Populations Have a Drop in Hearing Loss

In the past few years you’ve probably heard more about hearing loss than ever before. Maybe you’ve seen posters or public service announcements featuring construction workers in hardhats warning you to wear hearing protection at work. Everyone is at risk of hearing loss, not just older Americans. Teenagers and adults also face hazards to hearing health, from noisy classrooms to excessively loud workplaces to earsplittingly loud leisure activities. A recent study pleasantly surprised us by revealing that rates of hearing loss in younger populations are actually dropping!

Yes, absolutely! No one is safe from the daily dangers to hearing health. Older Americans experience hearing loss as the cells in the ear begin to age, and years of exposure to noise starts to catch up with them. Adults face noise in the workplace, with noise induced hearing loss being the most common kind of hearing loss. If you work in a noisy work environment like on a construction site or farm, or work in a factory, bar, sports venue, or concert hall you’re more at risk than your friends with quiet office jobs.

While excessively loud work environments lead to hearing loss, even daily noises like the subway ride to work or drinks at a crowded restaurant can put a strain on your hearing. Children and teens are also at risk of hearing loss from noisy classrooms and excessive headphone and earbud use.

The good news is that more and more people are aware of their hearing health and are active in taking steps to protect their hearing. A recent study published by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders looked at rates of hearing loss among adults in the U.S., and found that hearing loss among younger adults is declining. Ten years ago, 16% of Americans had hearing loss. Now that number has dropped to 14%! The study shows lower rates of hearing loss in adults between the ages of 20 and 69, and this is great news if you belong to a younger population. Hearing loss isn’t starting until older generations, with those 70 years and older having the highest rates of hearing loss.

Why are younger populations not experiencing high rates of hearing loss? The answer is the growing awareness around hearing loss. Younger adults realize the dangers to hearing that surround them, from their jobs, their commute, and their leisure activities, and take an active role in maintaining great hearing health. They’re also much more consistent in their use of hearing protection.

While young adults are taking care of their hearing, what about children and teens? This new generation uses technology for everything, and they’re always plugged into their computers, smartphones, and personal listening devices. We don’t know the long-term affect this will have on hearing loss trends, but what is true is that 1 in 5 teens have hearing loss from overusing earbuds and blasting too many loud sounds right into the delicate inner ears. This younger, tech-savvy generation could mean higher rates of hearing loss once again, as they permanently damage their hearing before even graduating from high school.

It’s critical that we educate children and teens on safe listening practices, turn down the volume, and learn to unplug. Their favorite band may have just released a new album, but listening to it on repeat on full volume isn’t worth a lifetime of hearing loss.

Will rates of hearing loss continue to drop? That depends on you. Protect your hearing and encourage others to do the same! Wear earplugs to concerts and sports events, and ask your friends to as well. If you have young teens or grandchildren, make sure they aren’t damaging their hearing with their habits, but can enjoy a life full of sounds. Let’s work together to keep the rates of hearing loss dropping!

The sad truth is that more than 27 million American adults are still struggling with hearing loss. If you’re over 60, there’s a 40% chance you have hearing loss. My Hearing Centers is here to help. Don’t live with hearing loss! Our hearing professionals will assess your hearing, help you navigate your treatment options, and provide great support and advice.