Though hearing loss is more common in older adults, people of any age can develop the condition. Research tells us that more young adults have hearing loss than they realize.
Young Adults and Noise-induced Hearing Loss
A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined rates of noise-induced hearing loss in adults. They discovered that “19.2 percent of people aged 20 to 29 had some form of noise-induced hearing loss.” That’s almost one in every five young adults!
Along with aging, noise exposure is one of the leading causes of hearing loss. While you may assume that only extremely loud noises can cause hearing loss (such as gunfire or an explosion), even prolonged exposure to moderately loud sounds can cause problems over time. Any noise over 85 decibels can put you at risk for noise-induced hearing loss, which is roughly the volume of city traffic.
Many common activities reach volumes well above those levels, including:
- Live sporting events
- Concerts at The Teragram Ballroom or other Los Angeles venues
- Riding motorcycles or ATVs
- Listening to music too loudly with headphones
- Working in a loud environment, such as a construction site
Take These Steps to Prevent Hearing Loss
The good news is that while many factors can influence hearing loss, exposure to loud noise is one that you have the most control over. There are several steps you can take to help protect your hearing while still enjoying the activities you love.
Try to limit your exposure to loud noise whenever possible. This may mean keeping the volume below 60% maximum capacity when you use headphones or moving further away from the sound source when you’re at a louder live event.
Another essential step is to wear hearing protection devices like earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments. You can purchase these easily online or at a local drugstore, or you can visit an audiologist to have a custom pair made to fit your individual ears.
Treat Hearing Loss at Any Age
Regardless of age, treating hearing loss early is essential to achieve the best results. If you have noticed that sounds seem muffled, you’re struggling to follow conversations or are experiencing other hearing-related issues like tinnitus (ringing in the ear), schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation with a qualified audiologist.
If you do have hearing loss, hearing aids can help. Today’s hearing aids are designed to be small and sleek and come equipped with advanced technology to make navigating through any environment easier.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, contact The House Institute today.