New study shows More Than 1 Billion Young People Could Be At Risk of Hearing Loss

Researchers compiled data from previous studies and found that recreational listening, such as on devices and at entertainment venues, posed a threat for those aged 12 to 35.

 

Apple AirPods are demonstrated during an event to announce new products on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2016, in San Francisco. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP hide caption

 

Apple AirPods will be on display during a new product announcement event  on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 in San Francisco. A new study shows that more than a billion young people could be at risk of  hearing loss. estimated between 0.67 and 1.35 billion adolescents and young adults worldwide may be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices," according to the study,  published Tuesday in the BMJ Journal.

Hours per week Adolescents aged 12 to 35 who actively listened to devices such as MP3 players and cell phones heard content at 105 decibels, while the average noise level in entertainment venues was 104 to 112 decibels, while the average noise level in entertainment venues was 104 to 112 decibels make people more susceptible to age-related hearing loss," the researchers said.

Scientists looked at 33 studies from 2000 to 2021, but these studies couldn't determine whether the hearing loss was permanent or temporary.

"Transient threshold shifts and hidden hearing loss are likely to predict irreversible permanent hearing loss and may present as  hearing problems in difficult listening environments such as  background noise," the researchers said.

A person's risk of hearing loss depends on how loud, how long, and how often they are exposed to certain sounds. A sign that you may have been engaging in unsafe listening practices is tinnitus, or ringing in your ears. concentration, the  researchers said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss in adults can be linked to deteriorating mental health, lower income, depression, cognitive decline and even heart problems.

Noise exposure from electronic devices and venues is "a modifiable risk factor for hearing loss," the researchers said, and there are some things you can do to protect your hearing.