6 Ways to Raise Youth Awareness of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
By Rohima Badri, Ph.D.
"I wish I had known not to stand so close to the loudspeakers," said 17-year old Amanda* during her routine audiometric visit, explaining how her hearing has never been the same—riddled with high-pitched tinnitus and distorted hearing—ever since the fateful concert, one year ago.
Up to one in five school-aged children (ages 12–19 years) has measurable hearing loss as a result of excessive noise exposure. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) not only affects a child's hearing ability but their academic performance, social interactions, and overall mental health and well-being.
Unfortunately, in my clinical experience, the damage is already done by the time children and young adults like Amanda become aware of the dangers of noise exposure.
In the United States alone, 84 percent of teenagers (13-18 years old) used online resources to obtain health-related information. Illustration credit: Wikimedia Commons
There are many resources and tools available for educating and combating NIHL. Yet, there is a significant disconnect between recommended safe hearing practices and the choices made by the younger generation. According to a 2020 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, part of the reason for the gap is a failure to effectively reach and educate the younger population about the dangers of excessive and loud noise exposure. Because NIHL is irreversible but completely preventable, effective and engaging safe hearing practices that resonate with youth are critical.
Here are six ways to encourage children and young adults to practice safe hearing habits and prevent noise-induced hearing loss:
Personalize the message: Parents, teachers, and health professionals should discuss the importance of safe hearing practices in a context that is meaningful to young people. Rather than simply stating that noise-induced hearing loss will cause hearing difficulties in background noise, explain how even mild NIHL can disrupt otherwise enjoyable sports or music concert experiences, or make everyday tasks such as listening to music or following class lectures difficult and tiring.
Show instead of tell: Hands-on fun activities and live, interactive demonstrations of safe hearing practices are more likely to engage children than passive lecturing. Children, for example, can use a sound level meter (free apps available) to measure and compare noise levels in various areas of the school (near loudspeakers, cafeterias, music rooms), listen to sounds with and without hearing protectors, and so on.
Youth advocacy: Even better, children can become effective learners by teaching others about NIHL. Children can take an active role in raising awareness and promoting hearing health in their schools, communities, and even online by starting or joining a club or organization.
Reminders and warning signs: In places where there are loud noises, such as concerts, sports arenas, and school music rooms, attractive visual posters and images with bitesize messages about safe hearing practices can serve as a good reminder. Similarly, "loud noise" warning signs near noise sources such as loudspeakers and construction zones will be extremely beneficial in preventing irreversible hearing damage.
Easy access to hearing protective devices: Concertgoers are seven times more likely to wear hearing protection during a concert if free earplugs are provided at the venue. Therefore, making hearing protectors readily available (e.g., vending machines) in areas where noise exposure is high and frequent is another extremely useful move to prevent irreversible hearing loss.
Connect, interact, and engage through social media: In the United States alone, 84 percent of teenagers (13–18 years old) used online resources to obtain health-related information. It's not enough to simply provide information to this group; instead, engage them through creative storytelling and motivate them through calls to action. For example, start an "earplugs challenge" chain and encourage readers to upload and share photos of themselves at concerts wearing earplugs.
Many teenagers, like Amanda, are suffering or more likely to suffer from irreversible but preventable hearing damage as a result of noise exposure. To reach and engage this younger demographic, we must adapt messages and communicate the value of healthy hearing in a way that engages and resonates with them.
*Name changed
A New Jersey resident, Rohima Badri, Ph.D. is a certified audiologist, hearing and mental health advocate, and a learn-it-all mom.