How Hearing Loss Affects Kids
Hearing loss doesn’t discriminate by age, but it’s increasingly becoming a concern among our younger generations, particularly kids and teens, who unwittingly subject their ears to prolonged exposure to loud noises. This growing issue, termed noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), is both permanent and, remarkably, preventable! Shockingly, approximately 12% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 are already grappling with this condition.
So, what’s happening inside our ears? Picture this: deep within the labyrinth of our inner ear are tiny, delicate hair cells. Their job? To catch sound waves and convert them into electrical signals that our brain interprets as sound. But when bombarded with excessive noise, these hair cells can sustain irreversible damage. Unlike many other cells in our body, they lack the ability to regenerate, leading to lasting hearing impairment. And here’s the kicker: NIHL can strike suddenly with a loud bang or creep up gradually over time like a stealthy ninja.
But fear not, for prevention is the name of the game! It starts with raising awareness about the perils of noise and instilling good hearing hygiene from a young age. Think of it like armor for your ears. One crucial concept to grasp is the measurement of sound intensity, quantified in units called decibels (dB). Any noise exceeding 85dB poses a risk of causing NIHL if endured for extended periods.
So, whether it’s the thunderous roar of a rock concert, the relentless buzz of earbuds cranked to max volume, or the cacophony of construction work, our ears are under constant siege. But armed with knowledge and a commitment to safeguarding our hearing, we can ensure that the soundtrack of our lives remains clear, vibrant, and uninterrupted.

Childhood Noise Risks
- Noisy toys
- Band class
- Farm equipment
- Shop class
- Concerts
- Firecrackers and fireworks
- MP3 Players
- Sporting events
- Motorbikes
- Movie theaters
- Arcades
- Firearms
- Power tools
Protect Your Child’s Hearing
- Wear proper hearing protection (earmuffs or earplugs) when in noisy environments (concerts, sporting events, fireworks displays, car races). Hearing protection comes in a variety of sizes and textures to provide an optimum fit. Custom-made earplugs can be obtained from an audiologist.
- Turn down the volume.
- Walk away from loud noise.
- Receive hearing tests.
- Learn about audiology screenings at schools.
- Learn about the connection between hearing and first-grade reading.
