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A popular myth about hearing loss is that it only impacts older adults. While aging is one cause of hearing loss, there are other causes that impact people across the age spectrum. This includes Millennials and Gen Z who are increasingly grappling with the realities of hearing loss. In fact, 10% of Millennials and 17% of Gen Z already have some degree of hearing loss. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 billion people ages 12-35 are at high risk of developing hearing loss. This highlights that Millenials and Gen Z are more impacted by hearing loss than you may have suspected. It is important to learn more about this health risk and to practice measures to protect hearing health.
Causes of Hearing Loss Among Millenials and Gen Z
The increasing risk of developing hearing loss among millennials and Gen Z is largely due to exposure to loud noise. One time or regular exposure to loud noise can cause noise induced hearing loss, a type of permanent hearing loss. A few common ways that Millenials and Gen Z are exposed excessive noise include:
- Electronic devices: a common source of loud noise exposure is listening to audio using earbuds and headphones. These items have become essential devices that people use to listen to music, talk to on the phone, listen to podcasts etc. Though they make listening to audio convenient, they can also be hazardous for hearing health. Depending on the device they are connected to, noise levels can reach around 100dB (decibels) – sound above 85dB is considered dangerous. Earbuds that are connected to an iPhone can reach 102dB and on the highest volume setting. At this level, safe listening is only around 7 minutes.
- Social activities: social life is another way that people are exposed to excessive noise. From social settings to activities including:
- parties, loud restaurants, bars: 85-90dB
- attending a game in a sports arena or concert in a stadium: up to 110dB
These common sources of loud noise can permanently damage hearing health by causing noise induced hearing loss.
Understanding Noise Induced Hearing Loss
It is estimated that over 30 million people are exposed to loud noise regularly. One time or regular exposure to loud noise can irreparably damage the auditory system – the sensory system for hearing. Specifically, loud noise can desensitize and weaken the sensory cells in the inner ear. These cells, there are thousands in the cochlea, play an instrumental role in how sound is processed. They convert incoming soundwaves into electrical signals which get sent to the brain. The brain is then able to further process these cells, including assigning meaning to them, allowing us to understand what we hear.
Loud noise can impair these cells, reducing their capacity to process soundwaves effectively. This results in the brain receiving less auditory information, producing hearing loss. Unlike other types of cells we have, sensory cells in the inner ear do not regenerate. There are also no ways to repair these cells so any damage they experience is permanent, resulting in chronic noise induced hearing loss.
Tips to Protect Hearing Health
It is important to know that noise induced hearing loss is completely preventable. Practicing the following safety measures can significant protect your hearing health:
- Wear hearing protection: items like headphones, earplugs, and earbuds provide a physical barrier for the ears. This reduces the amount of loud noise you absorb and is a great way to protect your hearing. Be sure to carry hearing protection so that you can easily access it when moving through noisier settings or while commuting.
- Monitor noise levels: there are various apps you can download that will measure the decibels in your environment. This allows you to be aware of the noise levels you are exposed to so that you can adjust your exposure time.
- Reduce exposure: there are numerous ways you can reduce your exposure to loud noise. This includes: taking listening breaks throughout the day, maintaining low volume settings on your electronic devices, taking alternate routes to avoid traffic or construction sites, avoiding noisy settings like restaurants during peak hours, driving with the windows rolled up to reduce environmental noise etc.
Another useful tip is to get your hearing tested regularly so that you can track your hearing health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a hearing consultation!