Hearing loss affects more than 36 million Americans today.  Although most Americans consider hearing loss a condition that is simply associated with aging, more than half of all people with hearing loss are younger than 65. With the increased use of personal music players (MP3s) and earbuds, the number of Americans experiencing hearing loss at a younger age is growing.  One in 5 kids ages 12–19 is suffering from hearing loss, an increase of 31% since the late 1980s. This is a trend that coincides with skyrocketing use of personal audio technology.

Hearing loss can be present at birth or acquired. Although newborn hearing screening is widespread in the United States, hearing issues may develop after children leave the hospital. They also may result from ear infections, other illnesses such as chicken pox or influenza, head injury, or noise exposure. Therefore, parents should be attuned to the early signs of hearing loss even if their child passes a newborn hearing screening in the hospital.

Left untreated, hearing loss in children can have a negative impact on their speech and language development, communication, and learning. This can impact social success, academic development, and future vocational choices. In adults, untreated hearing loss is tied to social isolation, depression, early exit from the workforce, and an overall reduced quality of life. New research also has found a strong link between degree of hearing loss and risk of developing dementia.

May is Better Hearing Month.  In an effort to raise public awareness of the impact of noise on hearing health, Hearing Solutions Audiology Center celebrated Better Hearing Month with fourth graders at Four Seasons Elementary School in Gambrills.

Dr. Amanda Connelly, an audiologist at Hearing Solutions, spoke with the children about safe listening to MP3 players and other personal listening devices.  “Music is an important form of entertainment for people of all ages, but it is important to know how to listen safely,” Connelly says.  “A good rule of thumb is to follow the “60/60 rule”:  listen to your earbuds for no more than 60 minutes per day, at no more than 60% of the maximum volume of the device.

An audiologist is a highly educated and clinically experienced health-care professional who specialize in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people with hearing loss and balance disorders.  You may have a problem with your hearing and need to see an audiologist, if you have trouble hearing conversation in a noisy environment such as a restaurant, are unable to hear people talk to you without looking at them, or have a constant ringing or pain in your ears.

The first step in treatment of a hearing problem is a hearing evaluation by an audiologist.   Anyone exposed to hazardous noise should have their hearing examined once a year.