Due to increased exposure to noise in daily life and work, hearing problems are occurring at younger ages than before. Ear, nose, and throat specialists have observed that hearing loss is no longer just a problem for the elderly, but is becoming more common among younger people.
Dr. Liang Guo, an ENT consultant and medical director at Aglow ENT Clinic, part of Beyond Medical Group, told Live Well that hearing loss used to be primarily associated with aging or prolonged exposure to noisy work environments.
“Nowadays, I see more and more young people experiencing hearing problems from wearing headphones for extended periods of time or frequently listening to high-volume music. What worries me is that many young people are unaware of this silent harm.”
Dr. Guo noted that with changing times, not only are lifestyles changing, but also the types of jobs they perform. From musicians and DJs to fitness trainers, many people now work in high-volume environments.
Dr. Guo reminded us that the hair cells in the inner ear act like tiny sensors, converting sound wave vibrations into signals that are transmitted to the brain. Prolonged exposure to high volume or noise can overstimulate the hair cells, gradually damaging them or even causing them to die, preventing them from regenerating.
This is why long-term use of headphones at high volume can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments.
