For generations, parents have been known to tell their kids to “keep it down” or “turn down their music.” But while these warnings may seem like a nag, the advice is particularly important for today’s youth. As the use of mobile devices and earphones continues to rise, more children are putting their ears at risk of hearing loss. Fortunately, by taking note of the following information, you can help your child protect their ears while still being able to enjoy modern technology.

What Is the Extent of Hearing Loss Among Youth?

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), nearly two or three of every 1000 children are born with some form of hearing impairment—a condition known as congenital hearing loss. While there are many factors that may contribute to this problem, these trends remain fairly unchanged over the years.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), on the other hand, has been a rising concern among parents and health care providers. In the past decades, studies have revealed increases in the prevalence of hearing loss among children and teens. While this trend has fluctuated up and down in recent years, nearly 13% of adolescents are believed to have some form of NIHL.

How Is Technology Putting Children’s Hearing at Risk?

Increasing concerns over NIHL correlates to the increased use of personal listening devices. Today, many kids of all ages listen to music, movies, and television through headphones or earbuds. As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) observes, mobile devices—such as smartphones and MP3 players—can produce noise levels that are higher than what’s legally allowed in the workplace. Extensive listening to anything that is 85 decibels or above can put a child at risk of hearing loss.

How Can Parents Prevent Hearing Loss Among Kids?

The AAP encourages parents to teach their children about the importance of safe listening. If your child is listening to audio through a personal device, encourage them to turn the volume down to 60% or lower. While many headphones and earbuds promote “safe volume restrictions,” it is important to note that many of these products may still produce noise that is too loud.

Hearing loss can be progressive, making it hard to detect. That’s why the AAP also encourages kids to have hearing tests between the ages of 11 and 14, 15 and 17, as well as 18 and 21 to check for signs of impairment.

If you’re concerned about your child’s listening abilities, Russellville Hearing Clinic offers comprehensive hearing tests in the Pope County area. Located in Russellville, AR, this audiologist is equipped to check for all types of hearing loss among patients of all ages. If problems are present, this specialist can also introduce you to a variety of solutions to protect and support your child’s ears. Visit this clinic online to learn more about the hearing aids and tests they offer. For appointments, call (479) 968-7250.