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Youth at Risk of Going Deaf Earlier |
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Recent studies and research into hearing loss shows that most of young generation is affected by what physicians call “Noise-induced Hearing Loss”.
Such hearing loss is attributed to a sensorineural hearing deficit that starts at a higher rate of frequencies and grows as a result of continual exposure to high level of sound signals.
The next generation electronic gadgets like iPods, MP3 players, etc. and modern lifestyle such as nightclub parties, high-power rock shows, etc. add to the increase in the number of noise-related hearing loss cases in younger generation.Noise can be classified with regard to its degree of loudness and its frequency.
A combination of loudness and high frequency harm the hair cells of the inner ears, leading to permanent hearing loss. Sometimes, even the sounds that we think are less loud can also lead to deafness. |
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Prevention of Loss of Hearing in Children |
Some of the causes of loss of hearing in children are premature birth, the presence of a child in a neonatal intensive care unit, presence of high bilirubin during a blood transfusion, hereditary, complications at birth, and frequent ear infections. Nowadays, in the modern lifestyle community, more babies are born with hearing problems.
It is difficult even for the mother to discover if their baby has ear problems. Untreated ear problems may even lead to life-long deafness. So it is very important for babies to have an ear screening test at birth. |
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According to a study, of all the hearing loss cases, noise-induced hearing loss is the second most sensorineural hearing loss.
There are more than 28 million Americans who are affected by some level of hearing loss. Of these, 10 million people were affected by hearing loss due to noise from modern entertainment electronic gadgets or noise in their workplace.
Once the sound from a person’s working environment or entertainment equipment is excessive, it tears the soft inner structures of ears, such as stereocilia of the hair cells lining the basilar membrane of the cochlea.
Once a hearing impaired youth avoids noisy environment, the chance of getting rid of noise-induced hearing loss is high. In addition, continuous intake of certain antibiotics may worsen the hearing loss condition.
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However, the degree of effect of loud noise varies from person to person. |
Teenage girls and boys who listen to music through headphones for hours and go to rock music concerts often are likely to get a ringing sensation in the ears.
This is an early symptom of noise-induced hearing loss. If this habit is continued for a long time, they may end up with life long hearing loss.
When one gets such symptoms, it is better to stop listening to loud music using headphones or other gadgets, so that they can regain their normal hearing capability.
In modern society that considers noisy entertainment as fashionable, every child and youth is in great risk of being affected by noise-induced hearing loss. In fact, almost one-third of college students are affected by various levels of hearing loss.
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Most of these young people are unaware of the risk involved in exposure to firearms, amplified music, portable music systems like iPods, MP3 Players, and other electronic entertainment systems.
Youth must be made aware that the noise-induced hearing loss may be hard to cure, but is absolutely preventable.
As a precaution, youth must be encouraged to use hearing protectors, such as earmuffs, disposable earplugs, and custom-fitted earplugs to protect their ears from wear and tear caused by loud noises. When these hearing protectors are not available, they can use their hands to cover their ears, so that the background noise doesn’t affect the delicate parts of the inner ears.
Workplace and hobby-related exposure to noise are the leading causes of noise-induced hearing loss. The available statistics show that a large number of young people are affected by it. Fortunately, by spreading awareness among youth, we can prevent the risk of deafness due to noise. |
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