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Hearing loss linked to headphones, noise exposure on the rise

Experts say up to 25 percent of the US population has persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in one or both ears, known as tinnitus.

FARMINGTON, Maine — More people are using headphones and earbuds than ever before in their daily lives, but constant noise exposure could lead to hearing issues.

Hearing experts believe up to a quarter of the US population has persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming sounds in one or both ears,  known as tinnitus.

Krista Hinkley is a licensed hearing instrument specialist at Beltone, a chain of hearing care providers.

Busy doesn't even begin to describe what it's been like over the past several months.

"I see at least one person daily with tinnitus symptoms," Hinkley said.

There has been a spike in patients coming in with a persistent noise in one or both ears, a disruptive condition known as tinnitus.

"It ranges from a high-pitched squeal to a rumble and a roar; it sounds like rushing waves, blood pumping through your body," Hinkley explained. 

This condition can be linked to hearing loss in as many as 25 percent of patients. Older age and noise exposure are factors that increase the risk of tinnitus. 

The types of noise that could cause it include workplace noise, loud music, or working near powerful speakers. Various health factors can also lead to tinnitus, including Ménière’s disease, cardiovascular disease, hormonal changes, ear or sinus infections, wax buildup in the ear, thyroid problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, a head injury, anxiety, and depression. 

One possible culprit is that a growing number of young adults are using headphones, earbuds, and gaming technology for too long or with the volume up too high, which can increase the risk. 

"They wear them very loudly, more so than my older patients do or do not because it's uncommon for them," Hinkley stated.

Farmington resident Jaret Hinkley has tinnitus and hearing loss, which developed after years of using heavy equipment.

"When someone talks low, I can't hear them. I say speak up, ha ha," Jaret Hinkley quipped.

Krista Hinkley said older patients are likelier to report tinnitus, often the first sign of hearing loss.  

A hearing study released earlier this year conducted by Apple and the University of Michigan also found that noise trauma is an unspoken health issue in the younger generation. The tech giant provides technology that can manage the condition—the noise app on the Apple Watch can monitor sound exposure, and the iPhone offers notifications when your volume is too loud and may negatively affect hearing. Krista Hinkley recommends wearing protection at concerts or in noisy environments.  

She also recommends getting a hearing test at any age if you have concerns about tinnitus or hearing loss.

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