Hearing loss on the rise
Aug 18, 2010 2:50 PM
One in five American youths from ages 12 to 19 have some hearing loss, in most cases slight. But the researchers also noted a significant increase in cases of mild or worse hearing loss—one in 20 adolescents fell into that category.
Why the spike?
The researchers could not decipher the cause, but they did speculate that exposure to noise—including ubiquitous iPods and other MP3 players—could have a role. The authors cited an Australian study that found that reported use of personal music players was associated with a 70 percent increased risk of hearing loss.
Noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. The risk to your hearing from everyday activities might be greater than you think. And damage at any age can last forever. “We are prematurely aging our ears,” said Brian Fligor, Sc.D., director of diagnostic audiology at Children's Hospital in Boston, in our 2009 hearing loss report.
MP3 players are a particular concern, especially if you use them in noisy places like planes, trains, or automobiles. That’s because the background noise of such locales lead many people to crank up the volume to risky levels. We’ve found you can lower the background noise, and the subsequent risk, by using some good noise canceling headphones.
For more, including more on children’s’ MP3 players and headphones, how to lower your exposure to noise, and a chart detailing the decibel levels of household devices, see our report, Protect Your Ears From Noise. And if you already suspect hearing loss, check out our guide to hearing aids, hearing protection and more.
—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor
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