tEEn HEAring loSS ON tHE RISE

Simple Solution Prevents Noise-induced Hearing Loss

hat? Huh? I can’t hear you!

It’s a sign of rebellious adolescence, or it could indicate your teen has some hearing loss.

A 2010 study compared hearing loss in 12- to 19-year olds from 1988-94 to 2005-06. The trend is startling: Nearly one in five teens has noise-induced hearing loss, or 6.5 million American teenagers.

“The portability of music has increased dramatically — speakers in car trunks, iPods, Nintendo DS, sound-enhanced stereos. These devices are on constantly everywhere in our environment,” said Dr. Megan Bolda, Au.D., a clinical audiologist at Catalyst Medical Center. “Kids are technologically plugged in and start hearing damage at an earlier age.”

Even common sounds like lawn mowers, snowmobiles, and motorcycles can harm hearing.

Signs of hearing loss include talking loudly, ignoring behavior, misunderstanding directions, or increasing the volume of electronic devices.

“A good rule of thumb is that if you can hear your child’s iPod from two feet away, it’s too loud,” Bolda said. “Or, if you talk in a normal voice and your child can’t hear you from two feet away, it might be time to have your child’s hearing checked.”

Hearing loss can cause problems at school, work, and set the stage for issues later in life. Hearing loss is permanent, irreversible, untreatable, and expensive. Hearing aids cost $2,000 to $5,000 and last only three to five years.

While hearing loss is progressive, it is also preventable. Bolda says if you remove noise exposure, you can stop further damage, thereby reducing the need for a hearing aid later in life.

A simple, affordable, and accessible solution helps prevent hearing loss in children, teens, and adults. Kidzsafe™ Earbuds ($30) are sound-limiting headphones for ages 10 and under that are compatible with any audio device. No matter how loud the volume is turned up, the level always remains below 85 decibels (dB), which experts agree is safe.

Custom-fit earbuds are ideal noise protection for ages 11 and above and adults.

Bolda says custom earbuds provide a tight seal on the ear canal so background noise doesn’t compete with noise coming into the ear. For example, treadmill runners increase the volume on an iPod to drown out the treadmill noise. “A custom fit results in lower sound pressure at the ear drum, which translates to less noise exposure.”

Melissa Schmalenberger’s son’s history of ear infections and an auditory processing disorder increased his chances of hearing loss.

“Custom-fit earbuds protect his ears when he practices drumming, plays with his band, or listens to music. Compared to the cost of permanent hearing loss and the investment of speech therapy, doctor visits, and tube surgeries, the cost is minor,” she said. “He even custom blended the colors so he can promote his favorite football team.”

Schmalenberger also got a pair for herself, and for the first time can exercise without her earbuds constantly falling out.

A simple 15-minute appointment is all it takes to get an impression for an earbud.

Because it’s custom made, a snug fit improves comfort and performance.

Each type of earbud, from solid industrial plugs to hunter’s plugs, varies slightly in thickness, shape, and size and is acoustically designed to filter out specific sounds. One can pick up to three colors and even add glitter. Average cost is $160. [AWM]

Catalyst Medical Center provides complimentary hearing screenings and educational sessions for all ages throughout the year. Information about protecting your family’s hearing is at www. catalystmedicalcenter.com.