New Research – 20 Percent of People in their 20’s Have Hearing Loss

 Hearing loss isn’t just a condition related to age. In fact, noise-induced hearing loss is a pervasive—yet often overlooked—condition among adults in the United States.
A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows how prevalent noise-induced hearing loss is within different age groups. It was discovered that 19.2 percent of people aged 20 to 29 and 27.3 percent of people aged 50 to 59 had some form of noise-induced hearing loss. It was also more common in men than women.
This rate of noise-induced hearing loss can be explained by multiple factors, including workplace exposure, loud environments such as concerts or sporting events, and the use of headphones. Hearing damage can occur after being exposed to noise 85 decibels or higher (that’s about the decibel level of a lawn mower.) To protect yourself, it is important to limit the volume on your devices and wear earplugs/earmuffs when necessary.
Among all the factors that can cause hearing loss, noise is the most common and also the easiest to correct for young and middle-aged adults. In addition to hearing loss, chronic exposure to noise can cause increased stress, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, heart disease incidence, distractibility, annoyance, tinnitus, hyperacusis, and other health problems.
The good news is that if you are experiencing hearing loss, hearing aids can help no matter your age. In fact, today’s hearing aids are made to be smaller, sleeker, and compatible with your smartphone. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing them!
The best thing you can do to make sure you are maintaining your overall health and well-being is receive regular hearing screenings in addition to your other doctor visits. To schedule a hearing evaluation today, please call Audiology Associates at 661-284-1900. Patrice Rifkind, Au.D. and Kevin Bolder, Au.D. are two of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www.AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 23838 Valencia Blvd, Suite 100 in Valencia. We are hearing healthcare excellence!