Millennials and Gen Z Are at Increased Risk for Hearing Loss

A common misconception about hearing loss is that it only happens to older adults. In reality, younger adults and teenagers can develop it,too. In fact, due to smartphone audio streaming and more loud noise exposure, Gen Z and millennials are experiencing hearing loss at higher rates than previous generations were when they were the same age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that about 12% of adults ages 18-39 report difficulty following a conversation amid background noise, and about 6% experience ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus. More research suggests that 17% of teenagers and 19% of people in their 20s (Gen Z) have signs of noise-induced hearing loss.

While there are multiple factors that can cause hearing loss in young adults, exposure to loud noises remains the biggest risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, avoidable hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices.”

The amount of times young adults are exposed to loud noise has increased over the last 15 years, according to Dr. Cathy E. Kurth, Au.D., director of audiology at Audiology of Scottsdale in Arizona. This is largely because of smartphones, gaming and other digital activities that have streaming sound.

Teens and young adults are wearing headphones and earbuds more frequently and for longer periods of time. It’s become common to wear them almost all day-while commuting, studying, working out, talking on the phone, or playing video games at home. Additionally, without monitoring, it can be heard to know just how loud the sound you are listening to is, which can make a big difference in the time it takes for damage to occur. “Listening to sound at 80 decibels, or less, for up to eighty hours is acceptable” said Dr. Kurth. “Listening to music that is 90 to greater than 100 decibels for over two hours can damage hearing permanently. As the decibel level increases with prolonged exposure, damage to hearing will occur sooner.”

Gaming, in particular, has been the focus of recent studies examining its potential risks to hearing. It’s an incredibly popular hobby among young people, with a 2024 Pew Research Center survey noting that 85% of Gen Z report playing video games, with almost half saying that they play daily.

A case study from BMJ Public Health found a correlation between playing video games or esports with hearing loss and tinnitus. They also noted that on average volume levels for gamers nearly exceeded or did exceed acceptable safe levels. It’s common for gamers to play for hours at a time and to use headphones instead of device speakers-especially at gaming centers-where they may turn up the volume to drown out the crowd noise. Many games also feature sudden, loud sounds such as explosions or gunshots. All of these factors can damage the ears.

While not all hearing loss is preventable, you can absolutely take steps to protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss by following certain rules when using headphones. “If a person is using headphones or earbuds, they should listen at a maximum of 60 decibels for no longer than 60 minutes a day,” said Dr. Kurth. If you have an iPhone, you can use the Apple Health app or download another decibel meter app to keep track of your decibel levels and get notifications when you are listening too loudly or have exceeded your exposure limit.

“Another important strategy is wearing earplugs while attending loud concerts and other loud venues,” said Dr. Kurth. You can use store bought earplugs that can be found at pharmacies or online or you can get a pair custom made by a hearing specialist. If you don’t like earplugs, noise-cancelling earmuffs are also available.

While noise-induced hearing loss is the only type that’s fully preventable, living a healthy lifestyle can also support long-term hearing health. Eating well, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing medical conditions can all make a positive difference.

Protecting your hearing now can make a big difference later. If you’ve noticed ringing in your ears, trouble following conversations, or muffled sounds, it’s time to make an appointment for a hearing test with a hearing specialist near you.

Don’t let the stigma or the idea that you’re “too young” for hearing aids hold you back. Today’s hearing aids are small, discreet, and packed with smart features that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Take control of your hearing health and improve your quality of life today.