As parents, it can feel hard to give your children the tools they need to thrive in every area of life. During their teen years, that includes more than just academics and friendships—it also means looking out for their hearing health.
How Common Is Teen Hearing Loss?
Approximately two or three per 1,000 children in the United States are born with detectable hearing loss. In addition to those born with hearing loss, some children and teens acquire it over time as a result of head trauma, illness or noise exposure. In fact, an estimated 12.5% of adolescents aged 6-19 have suffered permanent hearing damage from excessive noise exposure (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
Warning Signs That Could Signal Hearing Loss
Beyond the more obvious signs, like your teen cranking up the volume on their devices, there are subtle cues that may indicate your child is struggling with hearing, including:
- Struggling with specifics. When you have high-frequency hearing loss, it’s easy to mix up words like “cat” and “cap” or numbers like “17” or “70.” This is because consonants hit a higher frequency than vowels. While teens are sometimes known for being inattentive, frequent misunderstandings or trouble grasping the specifics of a conversation could be due to hearing issues.
- Becoming frustrated in noisy environments. Loud, bustling places like cafeterias, the Westgate Mall or sports arenas can be especially difficult for someone with hearing loss. If your teen seems anxious or withdrawn in these environments, it could be because they find it challenging to distinguish speech from background noise, leading to confusion and sensory overload.
- Accusing others of mumbling. If you start having trouble understanding what others are saying—whether gradually or suddenly—your first thought probably isn’t that your hearing might be the issue. Many people with hearing loss initially think those around them are mumbling. So, if your teen frequently accuses you of talking too quietly, it could be a sign that they’re experiencing hearing loss.
How To Approach Your Teen About Hearing Loss
Bringing up the possibility of hearing loss with your teen can be challenging. When approaching the topic, make sure to start with empathy and understanding. Let your teen know you’re concerned because you want to ensure they have the best tools for success.
Ask your teen if they’ve noticed any trouble with their hearing and discuss the possibility of hearing testing. If they seem resistant, offer to go to the test with them. Your support will give them the confidence to approach testing and treatment head-on.
If you’re concerned about your teen’s hearing health, contact Amarillo Hearing Clinic today to schedule an initial test and exam with one of our specialists.
