Between the ages of 6 and 19, as many as 12.5 percent of American children have experienced some hearing loss. That number rises to 15 percent among adults ages 20 to 69. One of the leading causes? Noise-induced hearing loss, a preventable but often overlooked threat.
The Hidden Dangers Beyond Headphones
While personal listening devices like smartphones, iPads, and headphones are well-known culprits, especially when used for hours at high volumes, other common noise hazards put you at risk. These include:
- Concerts and sporting events with loud crowd noise
- Fireworks displays
- Motorized vehicles such as motorcycles and lawn equipment
Sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can cause hearing damage over time, especially with prolonged exposure. For context, a typical conversation is about 60 dB, while a rock concert can reach 110 dB or more.
The Long-Term Consequences of Untreated Hearing Loss
Ignoring hearing loss doesn't just impact communication. Untreated hearing loss can lead to social isolation, difficulty concentrating, and even increased risk of cognitive decline. That's why early detection and prevention are critical.
“Damage cause by noise exposure is irreversible,” says West Des Moines audiologist Amanda Gerst. “Protecting your hearing is important at all ages. Hearing protection is available in many different styles and can be customized to an individual's needs and preferences.”
Protect Your Hearing
When it comes to protecting your hearing health, Amanda recommends:
- Avoid loud noises whenever possible.
- Lower the volume on your devices and use built-in volume limit settings to protect your ears.
- Move away from the source of loud sounds, whether at a concert, sporting event, or fireworks show.
- Wear hearing protection devices like earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments.
Because there are many other potential causes for hearing loss, it’s important to see an ENT specialist or licensed audiologist for any type of hearing concern.
The Iowa Clinic ENT Department specializes in custom earmolds, great for: MP3 players, water protection, and noise protection. Call 515.875.9450 for more information.
Protect your hearing today — because sound is a gift worth preserving.
AmandaGerst , AuD, CCC-A
Amanda Gerst, AuD, CCC-A joined The Iowa Clinic in 2023 after nearly 15 years of experience in Audiology. She chose TIC because of the supportive atmosphere and the patient-driven care model. Audiology allows her to blend her interests in science and the passion she has for helping people into one. The most rewarding part of her job is seeing her patients grow confident in their hearing abilities and feel more comfortable in environments that otherwise caused them stress.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with family, reading, riding horses, and bird watching. If she wasn’t a provider, she would visit nursing homes and hospitals with a therapy dog.