Hearing Loss Increasing Among Young People
posted in: Music News
According to a new study, 85% of people ages 14-25 suffer at least temporary tinnitus – a persistent ringing or noise in the ear – while 15-20% have permanent hearing loss.
The upward trend of hearing loss plainly suggests that young people are not taking proper precautions to protect their hearing. While loud and sudden noises are obvious offenders, with live concerts presenting an apparent threat, the greater danger may be in your pocket right now: the omnipresent earbuds. It doesn’t take more than a ride on the bus or train to actually see people destroying their hearing. When you hear the music coming from the earbuds of a person sitting across the aisle, over the roar of a bus engine, you know that can’t be good.
Researcher Annick Gilles says, “We are seeing a serious worsening of symptoms in the last twenty years. Many young people are aware of the risks of noise, but are not protecting their hearing regardless.”
So wear your earplugs, folks, and easy with the iPod volume. And remember that high frequencies tend to hurt more in the moment, but low frequencies can do as much damage – perhaps more, because you don’t instinctively protect yourself from them. I’m talking to you, DJs and EDM fans.
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