One of the most common misconceptions about hearing loss is that it only impacts older adults. While aging is one cause of hearing loss, there are other factors that can also contribute to the development of hearing loss. This includes exposure to loud noise which is increasingly impacting millennials and Gen Z. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 billion people ages 12-35 are at high risk of developing noise induced hearing loss. You may be surprised to learn that 10% of millennials and 17% of Gen Z already have some degree of hearing loss. Learning about this increased risk and practicing safety measures can protect hearing health.
Hearing Loss, Millennials, & Gen Z
Millennials and Gen Z are more and more exposed to loud noise. From listening to music or podcasts using earbuds to attending concerts and parties, this demographic tends to be regularly exposed to excessive noise. Common ways people are exposed to loud noise include:
Millennials and Gen Z can regularly engage in these activities, putting hearing health at risk. Exposure to high noise levels can damage hearing and contribute to noise induced hearing loss.
Understanding Noise Induced Hearing Loss
One time or consistent exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss. Sound is measured in units known as decibels (dB) and sound above 85dB is considered potentially hazardous for hearing health. For perspective this is equivalent to busy city traffic, a noisy restaurant during peak hours, and a blow dryer. According to exports, people can be exposed to 85dB for 8 hours a day without harming their hearing health. But exposure time to noise levels beyond this needs to be drastically reduced (by half for every 3 decibel increase).
Noise induced hearing loss occurs when the sensory cells in the inner ear are damaged. These tiny cells, there are thousands in each ear, play a major role in how we process sound. They are responsible for converting incoming sound waves into electrical signals which get sent to the brian. The brain is then able to further process these signals which includes assigning meaning to them, allowing us to understand what we hear. Loud noise can desensitize and weaken these cells which reduces their capacity to effectively process incoming soundwaves. This results in the brain receiving less auditory information, causing hearing loss.
Tips to Protect Hearing Health
Fortuenaly, noise induced hearing loss is totally preventable. There are several strategies you can practice to protect your hearing health including:
These strategies can significantly reduce the risk of developing hearing loss. This is especially important if you are a millennial or Gen Z. Contact us to learn more about hearing loss and the resources as well as services that are available to support your hearing health.
One of the most common misconceptions about hearing loss is that it only impacts older adults. While aging is one cause of hearing loss, there are other factors that can also contribute to the development of hearing loss. This includes exposure to loud noise which is increasingly impacting millennials and Gen Z. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1 billion people ages 12-35 are at high risk of developing noise induced hearing loss. You may be surprised to learn that 10% of millennials and 17% of Gen Z already have some degree of hearing loss. Learning about this increased risk and practicing safety measures can protect hearing health.
Hearing Loss, Millennials, & Gen Z
Millennials and Gen Z are more and more exposed to loud noise. From listening to music or podcasts using earbuds to attending concerts and parties, this demographic tends to be regularly exposed to excessive noise. Common ways people are exposed to loud noise include:
Millennials and Gen Z can regularly engage in these activities, putting hearing health at risk. Exposure to high noise levels can damage hearing and contribute to noise induced hearing loss.
Understanding Noise Induced Hearing Loss
One time or consistent exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss. Sound is measured in units known as decibels (dB) and sound above 85dB is considered potentially hazardous for hearing health. For perspective this is equivalent to busy city traffic, a noisy restaurant during peak hours, and a blow dryer. According to exports, people can be exposed to 85dB for 8 hours a day without harming their hearing health. But exposure time to noise levels beyond this needs to be drastically reduced (by half for every 3 decibel increase).
Noise induced hearing loss occurs when the sensory cells in the inner ear are damaged. These tiny cells, there are thousands in each ear, play a major role in how we process sound. They are responsible for converting incoming sound waves into electrical signals which get sent to the brian. The brain is then able to further process these signals which includes assigning meaning to them, allowing us to understand what we hear. Loud noise can desensitize and weaken these cells which reduces their capacity to effectively process incoming soundwaves. This results in the brain receiving less auditory information, causing hearing loss.
Tips to Protect Hearing Health
Fortuenaly, noise induced hearing loss is totally preventable. There are several strategies you can practice to protect your hearing health including:
These strategies can significantly reduce the risk of developing hearing loss. This is especially important if you are a millennial or Gen Z. Contact us to learn more about hearing loss and the resources as well as services that are available to support your hearing health.
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