Newspatrolling.com News cum Content Syndication Portal Online
Frequent earphone use, long hours on digital devices, and rising city noise levels are putting youngsters aged 20–30 at risk of hearing problems that could become permanent if preventive steps are ignored
Around 6 out of 10 youngsters report issues such as ringing in the ears, difficulty following conversations, or the need to increase the volume on their devices
Mumbai: Hearing loss has long been associated with ageing, but doctors are now noticing a concerning trend among younger individuals. Increasingly, people in their twenties are reporting hearing-related complaints, a shift that specialists link to lifestyle habits such as prolonged earphone use, continuous exposure to loud sounds, and the growing noise levels in urban environments. Doctors advise simple measures like limiting headphone usage, keeping volume levels moderate, and taking regular listening breaks to protect hearing.
In today’s digital era, many young adults spend several hours each day using earphones for work calls, music, gaming, or watching content online for extended hours. Unfortunately, this constant exposure to sound often happens without giving the ears adequate rest. Listening to audio at high volumes for long periods can gradually damage the sensitive structures of the inner ear and may lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which has now become a growing matter of concern. It is time to protect the ears.
Dr Ankit Jain, ENT, Apollo Spectra Hospital Mumbai, “Earphones have become an essential part of daily life, but excessive use at high volumes can harm hearing over time. The inner ear contains delicate sensory cells that help convert sound into signals for the brain. Continuous exposure to loud sound can damage these cells permanently, and once they are affected, they cannot regenerate. We are seeing a growing number of young individuals with early signs of hearing strain. Monthly, nearly 60% of people aged 20–30 show warning symptoms linked to prolonged headphone use and repeated exposure to loud environments. Around 6 out of 10 youngsters report issues such as ringing in the ears, difficulty following conversations, or the need to increase the volume on their devices. If such habits continue, the risk of permanent hearing damage can increase in the coming years.”
Dr Jain further added, “Urban noise is also contributing to the problem. Busy roads, construction activity, and crowded public spaces create a constant background sound, prompting many people to increase the volume on their devices to hear clearly. Devices with active noise cancellation can sometimes help because they reduce surrounding noise and allow users to listen at lower volumes. Keep the volume to a moderate level, which is below 65, and limit listening sessions to about an hour at a time. Taking short breaks from headphones also allows the ears to recover from continuous sound exposure. Regular hearing check-ups are important for people who frequently use earphones or work in noisy environments. Focus on your ear health and prevent hearing loss.”
Dr. Neha Pangam, Consultant ENT Surgeon, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, “Every month, nearly 40% of people aged between 20-30 report early signs of hearing-related problems. Around 4 out of 10 youngsters now complain of symptoms such as buzzing in the ears, difficulty following conversations, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, trouble hearing clearly in crowded places, a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears, and the constant need to increase the volume on phones or other devices. This indicates a growing concern about hearing health among the younger population. Adopting safer listening habits, taking regular breaks from earphones, and keeping volume levels moderate can help protect hearing. Timely evaluation and assistive solutions such as hearing aids can improve communication and quality of life.”
Doctors emphasise that protecting hearing should become a priority for the younger generation. By adopting healthier listening practices and being mindful of noise exposure, young people can safeguard their hearing and prevent long-term complications such as permanent hearing loss.
