Growing up comes with its fair share of challenges, and hearing loss is often not the first thing on a teen’s mind. Yet, noise-induced hearing loss is surprisingly common among U.S. adolescents, with an estimated 12.8% to 17.5% affected (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
From blasting music to the roar of school pep rallies, teens are exposed to sounds that can take a toll on their hearing without them even realizing it. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to stay alert to early signs of hearing issues, ensuring their teens’ social life and academic performance aren’t impacted in the long run.
Let’s look at five common signs your teen may be experiencing hearing loss.
1. Frequent Requests to Repeat Yourself
Is your teen asking, “What did you say?” or “Huh?” more than usual? If they frequently ask you or others to repeat themselves, especially in one-on-one conversations, this may be a red flag. It could mean they are struggling to catch certain sounds, even in quiet environments.
2. Trouble With High-Pitched Sounds
People with hearing loss often struggle to hear high-pitched sounds. If your teen no longer responds to phone calls, misses the doorbell or has trouble communicating with younger kids, their hearing may be affected.
3. Withdrawing From Their Favorite Activities
A sudden disinterest in activities that involve group settings—like sports, study groups or family dinners—could be linked to hearing struggles. If your teen avoids social interactions that were once a part of their daily routine, it’s worth exploring if hearing is the cause. Remember that hearing loss is frustrating, and it’s often hard to admit you’re having trouble. It’s important to practice patience and understanding when addressing hearing loss with your teen.
4. Struggling to Hear in Noisy Environments
Busy environments like Friday night dinners at Table & Main, pep rallies or bustling school hallways can be especially tough for someone with hearing loss. If your teen has difficulty keeping up with conversations in these environments or seems disconnected, they might be facing a hearing challenge.
Hearing loss can affect not only your teen’s ability to communicate but also their self-esteem and academic success. If any of these signs sound familiar, contact Advanced Hearing today to schedule a hearing test with one of our specialists.