Millennials are the “hearing loss generation” — you heard it here first.
Some 1.1 billion young people are at risk of permanent hearing loss, the World Health Organization warns. One study suggested that 10% of millennials — those born between 1981 and 1996 — already have some degree of hearing loss.
“Millennials — the generation that grew up with earbuds in and concerts as rituals — may be experiencing higher rates of hearing loss than previous generations at the same age,” Dr. Rachel Trinker, head of audiology for the hearing aid company Audien Hearing, told The Post.
Listening to loud sounds from headphones, concerts or other sources can harm the delicate hair cells in the inner ear’s cochlea. This damage is largely irreversible.
Prolonged noise exposure and infrequent hearing checkups put millennials at risk for health issues linked to hearing loss, such as cognitive decline, depression and social withdrawal.
“These potential impacts can begin earlier in life than many people realize,” Trinker said.
Trinker, a millennial herself, shares four ways that millennials and younger generations can preserve their hearing as they age.
Ear protection
“My biggest piece of advice to prevent or reduce hearing loss in young people is to wear ear protection, especially at loud events or places such as sporting events, bars, clubs or concerts,” Trinker said.
“Exposure to environments with noise above 85 decibels, like a crowded restaurant or concert, for long periods of time can lead to permanent hearing damage,” she added. “With constant exposure, you might start to feel an uncomfortable pressure or ringing in your ears, which can be an early sign of hearing loss.”
You should also beware of sudden loud sounds, like gunshots or fireworks, which can cause permanent hearing damage in a split second.
Just one unprotected exposure to explosive noise, such as a single gunshot at a range, can lead to immediate, irreversible hearing damage.
“There are several types of ear protection for different preferences and budgets, including single-use foam earplugs for the budget-minded, custom molded earplugs for the comfort seeker or musician earplugs for the instrumentalist,” Trinker said.
“I like to keep a pair of earplugs in my car or attached to my keys so they are always with me when I need them.”
60/60 rule
Keep the 60/60 rule in mind the next time you want to rock out or listen to your favorite podcast.
“Keep audio at 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time,” Trinker said.
“It’s easy to put on your headphones and get lost in your favorite music or podcast, but be aware of how long you’re listening and try to give your ears a break every so often.”
Hearing tests
“If you’re feeling tired after straining to listen to a conversation, struggle to hear high-pitched voices or sounds or are constantly asked to turn the TV volume down, these may be signs that you need to get checked out,” Trinker said.
“Even if you’re not noticing major issues, getting a baseline can help track changes over time and catch problems early.”
Trinker recommends a yearly hearing test from a licensed audiologist. Many providers offer free screenings — or tests are often covered by insurance.
There are also at-home screening tools, like Mimi, uHear, HearScreen, Digit-in-Noise and MDHearing.
“While these tools are excellent for initial screening and self-awareness,” Trinker said, “they cannot replace a full diagnostic evaluation by a licensed audiologist — especially when it comes to identifying complex or asymmetric hearing loss or distinguishing between sensorineural and conductive hearing issues.”
Hearing aids
Even with only mild hearing loss, hearing aids may be beneficial.
They do not fully restore hearing, but they can significantly enhance your quality of life.
“There’s a common stigma that hearing aids are only for the elderly, but I’m happy to see that this is changing,” Trinker said.
“Early intervention hearing aids can help you stay engaged, reduce listening effort, support your overall communication and most importantly, prevent your hearing loss from worsening.”
Warning signs of hearing loss
Trinker recommends seeing a medical professional for a checkup if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Fatigue or stress after conversations, especially when straining to hear
- A ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ear, also known as tinnitus
- Inability to hear high-pitched voices or consonants like “s,” “t” and “f”
- Dizziness
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
