Audiologists Warn 1.35 Billion Under-35s Risk Irreversible Hearing Loss From Everyday Noise
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 13
Audiologists Warn 1.35 Billion Under-35s Risk Irreversible Hearing Loss From Everyday Noise
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 13
Summary
Audiologists say they are seeing hearing loss in younger patients—including teens and children under 10—as damage from loud everyday sounds accumulates and cannot be reversed.
1.35 billion people under 35 may face premature hearing loss from amplified sound and personal listening devices, they said, with headphones, concerts and sporting events posing risks after prolonged or intense exposure.
Everyday noise sources also include lawn tools, DIY equipment, highway wind through open car windows and motorcycles; specialists recommend earplugs or earmuffs with high noise reduction, and volume low enough to still hear nearby speech.
Hearing loss can contribute to social withdrawal and is linked in studies to cognitive decline, though experts say causation is unproven; they advise testing at the first signs such as Tinnitus or trouble following conversation in noisy rooms.