More Teens Showing Signs of Hearing Loss
According to a recent study by Siemens Hearing Instruments teen hearing loss may be on the rise, with 1 in 6 teens showing symptoms often or all of the time and nearly 9 to 10 engaged inactivates that could place them at risk for hearing loss. 
The US survey of teenagers (ages 13-19), found that 46% reported experiencing ringing, roaring, buzzing or pain in their ears after engaging in risky hearing practices, including listening to excessively loud music and using power tools with no protection.
The findings revealed that teens are aware of the risk, yet still choose not to protect their hearing. 88% of teens admit in participating in activities they know may damage their hearing; listening to loud music is the most popular.
“Music has always played a central roll in teens’ lives, but over the past decade, the ever-present earbuds attached to popular smartphones and portable music players have caused increasing concern among hearing care professionals,” said Charles Kuratko, VP of business management at Siemens. “When combined with other potentially damaging sound environments (power tools, concert, etc), the potential for future hearing loss is greater than it has ever been. The good news is teenagers can protect their hearing with a few simple steps.”
- Use headphones, not earbuds. Also using ear protection in loud environments like concerts and while using power equipment.
- If teens experience symptoms such as ear ringing or buzzing, turn down the volume.
- Sit in the middle of the room at concerts.
- Warn each other if you can hear your neighbor’s music over your own headphones.
- Custom-molded musician’s earplugs are recommended for loud concert settings and for other frequently loud environments.
~ Content provided by Hearing Review