With the rise of technology and the use of headphone and earbuds, more teens are experiencing noise-induced hearing loss, a painless and invisible form of hearing loss that is hard to detect in children. Here are some tips to prevent noise-induced hearing loss, as well as signs that you or your child may need a hearing aid.
Did you know that parents may actually be contributing to damaging their child’s hearing? According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, adolescent hearing loss is up 5 percent over the last decade, which now affects 20 percent of U.S. adolescents ages 12 to 19, due to the increased use of earbuds. The Better Hearing Institute says noise-induced hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud sounds and usually occurs gradually over time. Since this form of hearing loss is painless and invisible, it would be difficult for you to detect the problem in your children and grandchildren. But, there are things you can do to help prevent noise-induced hearing loss.
Safe listening tips
- Turn it down. Get into the habit of listening to the TV, radio, and personal audio devices at a softer level.
- Get high-quality earbuds with noise cancelation or sound isolation properties.
- Use 60 percent of a device’s volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, since the longer the duration of exposure, the greater the risk.
- Download a noise meter app to determine the sound levels in your environment.
Do you or your child need a hearing aid?
Don’t miss out on important moments in your life. If you experience any of the symptoms below, you should contact your physician and ask for their referral on a hearing specialist:
- Your lack of hearing starts to interfere with your normal way of life.
- You have trouble understanding people on the phone.
- You have a hard time following conversations when people are speaking at the same time.
- You misunderstand others when they are talking to you.
- Your family and friends complain you’ve got the volume too loud on the TV or radio.
For more information on these symptoms, visit healthyhearing.com.
For those who need a hearing aid, Energizer ZEROMERCURY® hearing aid batteries are are recently improved and more powerful than before, and with EZ Turn & Lock packaging that allows for hassle free battery dispensing, Energizer is a reliable choice. Find out more at energizer.com/hearingaid
Also see:
What You Should Know About Traumatic Brain Injuries
F.U.N. Ways to Keep Your Eyes Safe
How to Know When Toys Are Toxic
