Why it's time to take teen hearing loss seriously - and what can be done about it
- Briana Valgre
- May 19
- 3 min read
In a world where young people are constantly plugged in, we're facing a quiet crisis with loud consequences: the rise of hearing loss among adolescents. Globally, over 1 billion young people are now at risk due to unsafe listening practices. Right here in New Zealand, the situation is no different—our rangatahi are increasingly exposed to dangerous sound levels.
It’s time we listened.
A growing global problem hitting close to home
In just over a decade, the prevalence of hearing loss among U.S. teens rose by 31%, and similar trends are emerging in Aotearoa. Studies show that 1 in 5 adolescents experiences some degree of hearing loss. Even more concerning, 17.5% of teens are already showing signs of noise-induced hearing loss, much of it linked to preventable factors.
Prolonged personal listening device use is being pinpointed as a contributing factor for poorer hearing thresholds and more self-reported hearing problems.
A sound wake-up call in schools
Without early detection or education on safe listening, students are left vulnerable. The long-term consequences? Not just hearing loss, but also learning challenges, cognitive fatigue, and mental health impacts like tinnitus and sound sensitivity.
One of the missing pieces: Education.
Alarmingly, 70% of teens receive no guidance on hearing protection. While many recognise that high-volume listening is risky, they often underestimate how quickly and permanently hearing damage can occur.
What can be done about it - and why it matters now
The good news? We can act—decisively and effectively.
Here’s what the research supports:
Hearing screenings in schools: Early identification of hearing loss, especially noise-induced types, is essential. Data shows screening can detect issues in up to 17.5% of students—often before symptoms become obvious.
Education on safe listening: Teaching students how to use headphones safely, why volume matters, and how to protect their ears in loud environments fills a major knowledge gap. This includes awareness of newer risks—from gaming and esports to streaming marathons—highlighted in the World Health Organization’s 2024 report on Safe Listening for Video Gameplay and Esports.
Targeted support for at-risk youth: Boys often listen longer and louder, while girls may experience more subjective symptoms.
The reality in New Zealand schools
Through the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Foundation Make Listening Safe programme, data is being gathered to show firsthand how serious this issue is among Kiwi teens:
42% of students report unsafe listening habits, such as listening at high volumes or for extended periods
23% experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a key early warning sign of noise-induced hearing damage
These numbers paint a clear picture: hearing loss isn’t just a future threat—it’s already impacting students across Aotearoa. But the real impact comes to life in the words of those who see it every day:
“We never put it together that Luke had a formal hearing issue. He plays in a band and he’ll probably notice a huge shift when his hearing improves. It will unlock a whole new level for him.” - Jane, Luke’s mum
A call to action for schools, parents, and policy makers
We have a unique opportunity to protect the hearing health of our next generation—before the damage becomes permanent. At the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Foundation, we believe every school in New Zealand should have access to a "Hearing Screening and Make Listening Safe" programme that includes:
Adolescent hearing screenings in schools
Education on hearing health and safe listening guidelines, including practical tips to prevent hearing loss
To help get started, we’ve created a simple guide that you can use today—at home or in the classroom.
As Natasha Gallardo, Chief Executive of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Foundation, explains:
“An increasing number of young people are reporting symptoms such as ringing in the ears and sound sensitivity—clear signs that unsafe listening habits may already be taking a toll. Persistent tinnitus in adolescents could be an early indicator of potential long-term hearing damage. Our programme not only identifies previously undiagnosed hearing issues but also helps students build the awareness needed to make informed decisions about protecting their hearing over time. We urge schools, parents, and policymakers to treat this as a pressing health issue—prioritising hearing education and routine screening as part of a preventative approach.”
Take the next step
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader—your role in protecting young ears matters.
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