Loud volumes over a long duration of time leads to damage, and for children, we often don’t notice until it’s too late.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Children: The Silent Epidemic

by | Mar 15, 2024 | Hearing Loss, Patient Resources

While hearing loss is often associated with aging, many children can develop some level of hearing loss challenges at early ages. 

The World Health Organization global hearing loss numbers will double by 2050, including the approximately 34 million children with hearing loss that global hearing loss numbers will double by 2050, including the approximately 34 million children with hearing loss.  

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common forms of hearing loss, caused by exposure to loud noises. However, although a lot of us associate it with one loud blast of sound damaging the eardrum on impact, most NIHL comes from excessive noise exposure over a longer period. 

When the tiny hairs within the inner ear trigger nerve cells to fire, the cells get to work processing the sound; upon hearing a loud noise, the cells don’t work too hard, and loud but sudden noises give cells the chance to rest and recover fully. 

However, exposure to loud noises on a regular or constant basis means that the cells become overworked and can become irreparably destroyed. Loud volumes over a long duration of time leads to damage, and for children, we often don’t notice until it’s too late. 

Children are frequently exposed to loud noises on a daily basis: in school, the playground, and even at home. Wearing headphones, watching TV too loud, listening to music, and sitting in crowded classrooms or auditoriums all have the potential to damage the delicate machinations of the inner ear. 

Limiting volume on devices and making sure our children know about the challenges that come with hearing loss are just two ways that we can make sure they keep their hearing health safe.  

If you’re concerned that your child has some level of hearing loss—they’re not responding immediately to their name, turning their devices’ volume up louder, or asking you to repeat yourself frequently—then the best way to alleviate that anxiety is to come and visit us at Aim Hearing and Audiology. 

We’re happy to help you and your child with our specialized pediatric hearing assessments. 

Concerned for Your Child’s Hearing? 

Our comprehensive hearing assessments aren’t just for adults—we also offer hearing tests for children, specially tailored to their unique needs.

If you’re concerned about your child’s hearing, you’re in the right place. 

We’ve tested hundreds of children for hearing loss challenges over the years, and we know that it can be a stressful situation. From one parent to another, don’t delay in getting your child’s hearing checked out sooner rather than later. 

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to request a callback and a member of our team will get in touch with the answers, advice, and support you need. You can also call our office at (336) 295-1064 

Child’s Hearing

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

Dr. Shannon Frymark Au.D., CCC-A

Shannon Frymark, Au.D., CCC-A, audiologist, was raised in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Shannon’s passion for the field of audiology stems from personal experience. Born with a hearing loss in both ears, she has worn hearing aids since age 3. She is considered a technology expert because of her experience with so many different hearing aids and assistive listening devices throughout the years.She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders and Master of Arts degree in Audiology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She was awarded her doctorate in Audiology from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry: School of Audiology. While in undergraduate and graduate school, she worked at the Central School for the Deaf as a residential counselor. Dr. Frymark spent the first five years of her audiology career with Florida Hospital in central Florida.

    Request a Callback

    Don’t want to wait? Call us
    at: 336-295-1064