Download Teens and Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Teens and Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Facts
More than any other age group, young people between the ages of 12 – 22 tend to enjoy noisy activities and play
their music too loud for too long – behaviors that make them particularly vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss
(NIHL). While it is still too early to predict the long-term effects of some activities and personal electronics on our
hearing, it is known that excessive exposure to extreme decibel levels can cause hearing loss.
“It’s How You Listen That Counts” is a consumer awareness campaign launched by House Ear Institute in 2006 to
effectively reach teens with a hearing conservation message. By increasing teen knowledge of the impact of noise
on hearing and influencing their attitudes and behaviors around noise, the Institute hopes to motivate them to take
measures to avoid NIHL – the one type of hearing loss that can be prevented. Here are a few facts you should know.
SOME FAQS: Did you know…?
· Prior to its 2006 consumer awareness campaign, House Ear Institute found 80% of teens surveyed had never
received information about noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
· In a survey of teen listening habits, nearly 200 teens reported their typical listening volume levels as “medium to
high” because they like the sensation of tuning out the world via total immersion in music. (House Ear Institute
Survey, 2005)
· More than half of high school students in the U.S. report having at least one symptom of hearing loss. (ASHA
Survey, 2006)
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· 5.2 million 6-19 year olds have hearing loss directly related to noise exposure. (3 National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, Niskar et al. 2000)
· Of the roughly 30 million Americans suffering from hearing loss, 10 million can attribute their hearing loss to noise.
· Individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and young adults, can develop noise-induced hearing loss
(NIHL).
· More than 30 million Americans are exposed to hazardous sound levels on a regular basis.
· NIHL can be caused by a one-time exposure to loud sound as well as by repeated exposure to sounds at or above
85 decibels (dB) over an extended period of time.
· Noise exposure occurs in the workplace, at school, in recreational settings, and at home.
· Listening to headphones with your stereo or MP3 player too loud or too long can hurt your ears.
· Other noisy recreational activities that might hurt your ears include target shooting and hunting, snowmobiling,
riding go-carts, woodworking and other noisy hobbies, and playing with power horns, cap guns, and model
airplanes.
· Potentially harmful noises at home include vacuum cleaners, garbage disposals, gas-powered lawn mowers, leaf
blowers, shop tools and stereos or music players set at high volume levels.
The Comprehensive Ear & Hearing Group consists of Zeeland Ear & Hearing, Grand Haven Ear & Hearing
and Comprehensive Ear & Hearing. The goal of owners Carli Van Harken and Kristin Johnston, BA, BC-HIS
is to offer you the most Comprehensive level of hearing care along the Lakeshore.