The American Osteopathic Association says that headphones can be connected to the increasing amount of teenagers struggling with hearing loss. According to the National Institute of Health, noise exposure is the second most common cause of acquired hearing loss (after aging). The most common type of acquired hearing loss is sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). SNHL is caused by noise damage to the inner hair cells of the cochlea. These cells are nonregenerative and damage builds up over time creating permanent hearing loss.This kind of hearing loss is becoming increasingly common in young adults and teens. 

A National Health and Nutrition Survey in 2014 showed that there were about 39.4 million people 20-29 experiencing hearing loss. As for teenagers, one in five experience hearing loss, which is a 30% increase over a 20 year span. According to the American Osteopathic Association, hearing loss related to unsafe headphone usage is increasing. Listening to sounds over 90 decibels for two hours or more constitutes an unsafe listening practice. Culturally, headphone and earbuds have become increasingly popular. It’s common to see teens with earbuds in their ears just about everywhere, and the World Health Organization estimates that over one billion young adults are at risk of avoidable hearing loss because of unsafe listening practices. 

Hearing loss on its own can be dangerous but there are connections are being made between hearing loss and other health issues. The longer hearing loss goes untreated, the harder the brain needs to work to interpret sounds and this can lead to cognitive decline. A Johns Hopkins study found that the more severe hearing loss a person has, the more likely it will be that they will develop dementia. Hearing loss can also damage peoples ability to balance. The inner ear is important to balance and spacial orientation and when hearing loss occurs, it can damage a person’s ability to navigate their surroundings safely. This can be dangerous for anyone whose job or sport requires them to have good balance. Studies show the best way to prevent these issues is by taking care of one’s hearing. Experts recommend wearing earbuds in loud places and not listening to music over 60 decibels for over 60 minutes.