Every year on March 3rd, World Hearing Day reminds us of the importance of protecting our hearing. This year, the focus is on a growing and alarming issue: the increasing risk of hearing loss among young people due to prolonged exposure to loud noise, particularly from music, video games, and personal audio devices.
The Alarming Rise of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing loss has long been associated with ageing, but recent studies show a worrying trend—more young people are experiencing hearing damage at an earlier age. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits. Loud concerts, booming video game sound effects, and constant headphone use all contribute to the problem.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs when exposure to loud sounds damages the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, which do not regenerate. This damage can lead to tinnitus (ringing in the ears), difficulty understanding speech, and even permanent hearing loss.
Why Are Young People at Risk?
1. Music on the Go
With streaming services making music more accessible than ever, young people spend hours plugged into their favourite tunes. Many listen at volumes above safe levels, often exceeding 85 decibels (dB), which can cause damage after prolonged exposure.
2. Gaming at High Volumes
The rise of immersive gaming means many players use headsets for extended periods, exposing themselves to dangerously high decibel levels. Multiplayer games also encourage constant communication, which can lead to prolonged exposure to loud sounds over hours of gameplay.
3. Concerts & Live Music Events
Live music events are loud, thrilling experiences but often come at a cost to hearing health. You'll often end the night with a ringing in your ears which is a sign of damage; however many do not appreciate the fact that one day, the ringing may never go away.
How to Protect Your Hearing
The good news is that hearing loss from noise exposure is preventable. Here are some practical steps young people can take to safeguard their ears:
- Use Custom-Fit Earplugs: High-quality, re-useable earplugs, like ProConcert, will reduce harmful noise levels at concerts without compromising sound quality
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Lower the Volume: Follow the 60/60 rule—listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Using SnugsPro custom-fit tips with your in-ears will provide passive noise isolation, allowing you to naturally reduce the volume without impacting the quality of your listening experience
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Take Listening Breaks: Give your ears a rest by stepping away from loud environments regularly. If you like to be up the front at a concert, try to move further away for some songs
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Enable Volume Limiters: Many smartphones and audio devices have settings to cap maximum volume.
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Stay Informed: Educate yourself and others about the risks of excessive noise exposure.
A Call to Action
Hearing health is often overlooked, but once damage is done, it’s irreversible. This year, let’s spread awareness and encourage young people to take proactive steps in protecting their hearing. Small changes today can prevent hearing loss tomorrow.
More importantly, we must recognise that ear and hearing care are integral to overall health and well-being. By promoting safe listening habits and reducing the stigma associated with hearing loss, we can create a culture that values and protects hearing for everyone.
