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The prevalence of hearing loss among U.S. teenagers has increased substantially over the past 15 years, according to research conducted at BWH. A striking one out of five adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 exhibits some sort of hearing loss, with one out of 20 adolescents experiencing hearing loss that is classified as mild or worse.
“We were most surprised by the magnitude of the increase in prevalence,” said Sharon Curhan, MD, a researcher at BWH’s Channing Laboratory and a co-investigator of the study, which noted a 30 percent increase in hearing loss among adolescents. Although the researchers were not able to examine risk factors for the increase in hearing loss, one potential factor may be that teenagers listen to music at high volumes through ear buds.
“Teens typically underestimate their noise exposure, the symptoms that result from exposure to excessive noise and the importance of protecting their hearing,” said Curhan. “Excessive noise exposure is a key environmental and lifestyle risk factor that can be modified to help preserve hearing.”
Researchers analyzed data from a large national survey, comparing hearing loss rates in nearly 3,000 adolescents from 1988 to 1994, to nearly 1,800 adolescents tested between 2005 and 2006. The findings of the study, which was led by Josef Shargorodsky, MD, were published in the Aug. 18 issue of Journal of the American Medical Association.
“Even mild degrees of hearing loss in children can have an impact on their educational performance, their social interactions and their social-emotional development,” said Curhan. “Recognizing when hearing loss is present and making appropriate accommodations is essential.”
Curhan said that she and her husband, co-investigator Gary Curhan, MD, ScD, have a particular interest in understanding the epidemiology of hearing loss, as their oldest son has experienced severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss since birth.
“Although he is now a successful and accomplished adult, we are acutely aware of the many obstacles and challenges he has faced and overcome due to his hearing impairment,” said Curhan. “We hope this study will help raise awareness of the importance of hearing conservation and encourage efforts to prevent hearing loss.”