Protecting Your Teen From Hearing Loss

When it comes to protecting your teens, you think about dangers like drugs and bullies. But, you need to also consider their hearing health. As your adolescent children grow, their hearing is still developing and very precious.

Why Are Teens More At Risk For Hearing Damage?

Today's teenagers spend more time using personal listening devices than any other generation. Devices like mobile phones and portable audio players can have loud volume limits. These can damage their precious hearing. Plus, teens are more likely to spend their time at loud events and entertainment venues.

How To Protect Your Teen's Hearing?

One of the best ways to protect your teen's hearing is by arming them with the right knowledge. Provide them with helpful tools that they can use to make informed decisions. It's common sense that loud noises can cause damage to one's hearing. You need to talk with your children about what noises you classify as loud.

As a general rule of thumb, sounds at 120 decibels or louder can be immediately damaging to the ears. Noises over 70 decibels can be damaging if exposure lasts for a prolonged period of time. There are many tools that can help your teenagers better determine what noises are too loud. A great tool is to have them download a sound meter app that will return the decibel range of a particular sound.

Apart from tools, you also want to give them some helpful tips in situations where hearing loss can occur. If they go to a music festival, have them bring earplugs or earmuffs along. Have them pick a seat further away from the stage or away from speakers. They can amplify the sounds produced on stage. Also, have them schedule short breaks to allow their ears to recover from any loud noises that they hear.

Top Signs That Your Teen's Hearing Has Suffered Damage

Teens can experience hearing loss for many different reasons. It may be a progressive disease that is more prominent as they age. It can also occur from a head injury or may be the result of noise-induced hearing loss. Either way, knowing the signs that your teen has hearing loss can help you to know when it's time to seek help.

One of the most obvious signs of damaged hearing in a teenager is that they turn up the volume on their devices. This could be their television, mobile phone, or headphones. They may have trouble hearing high-pitched noises like from young children and women. Your teenager may also seem withdrawn and lose their place in conversations. As soon as you notice these signs, it's time to contact an audiologist for further assessment.

Call Us Today

If your teen is struggling with hearing loss, then it's time to give us a call. Let our knowledgeable hearing care professionals assess any damage to your teen's hearing. We can assist with all their hearing care needs.