An Irreversible Problem: Your Child May Be Suffering from Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

A couple of weeks ago, The 2016 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention was held in Philadelphia. ASHA also brought along its Listen To Your Buds concert series and visited several local schools to educate kids on the importance of using technology safely to prevent permanent hearing loss. Hearing experts worldwide are detecting a disturbing trend indicating that noise-induced hearing loss is growing due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, such as smartphones, and exposure to overreaching sound levels at music concerts, nightclubs, and sporting events.

Noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable, but once it occurs, it is irreversible.

Who Suffers from Noise-induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)?

• Over 1 billion kids and young adults worldwide (The World Health Organization)
• 15% of Americans aged 20-69 years and 16% of teens aged 12-19 years (The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders)

Kids Need to Practice “Safe Listening”

ASHA has been proactive in delivering their “safe listening” message via the Listen To Your Buds campaign to younger children before they adopt bad (and loud) listening habits. ASHA does educate teenagers but wants to begin the conversation earlier to create a greater impact and to reach kids before the habit kicks in.

How to Practice “Safe Listening”

• Turn the volume down on your audio devices
• Give your ears a rest by taking listening breaks

How Important Is Hearing?

Seems like a crazy question. Of course hearing is important but did you know that:

• Even mild hearing loss affects speech and language development as well as learning and the ability to communicate?
• Academically, hearing loss can affect reading and math?
• On average, children with mild to moderate hearing loss achieve 1-4 four grade levels LOWER than their peers?
• Hearing loss in children can lead to social isolation and poor self-esteem?

Parents Need to Get Involved

It’s imperative that parents adopt the same “safe listening” practices that they impose on their children. Turn the volume down on your smartphone, take listening breaks, and wear earmuffs or earplugs in loud environments.

What To Do If You Suspect That Your Child Suffers from Hearing Loss

First, be aware of any signs of hearing loss, such as:

• Lack of attention to sounds
• Lack of a response when calling your child’s name
• Inability to follow simple directions
• Speech and language development delays
• Pulling or scratching the ears
• Difficulty in academic achievement, especially in reading and math
• Social isolation and unhappiness in school
• Persistent ear discomfort after exposure to loud noise (regular and constant listening to electronics at high volumes)

If you suspect hearing loss in your child, please make an appointment with our audiologist.

To learn more about causes and treatment, please visit our hearing loss page.

References
Know the Signs of Hearing Loss
A preventable problem: Noise-induced hearing loss in kids
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders