A recent study has warned of increasing hearing loss among teenagers due to excessive use of headphones and daily noise, confirming that one in eight suffers from hearing damage.
Recent figures and studies revealed a growing health risk threatening a whole generation of teenagers and young adults, manifested in gradual hearing loss due to chronic exposure to loud sounds, primarily from prolonged and unsafe levels of earphone use.
The risk is described as a "silent wave" that creeps in without clear symptoms in its early stages, but it leaves long-lasting effects on hearing ability and quality of life.
This was reported in a recent scientific study conducted by researchers from the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, published in December 2025 in the Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and considered one of the largest studies addressing hearing health among teenagers, according to Al Jazeera.
Hearing Damage
The study included 3347 Dutch teenagers as part of a long-term research project known as "Generation R", and its results showed that one in eight teenagers under the age of 18 actually suffers from signs of noise-induced hearing damage, while about 6% of them suffer from medically confirmed sensorineural hearing loss.
The results indicated that the severity of hearing damage clearly increases from ages 13 to 18, a stage that is most sensitive in terms of neurological and auditory development, heralding long-term consequences if not addressed early.
According to the study, the most significant and impactful cause is chronic exposure to loud sounds through smart headphones, with an average daily use ranging from two to four hours, often at sound levels exceeding safe limits.
Unsafe Habits
Dr. Ziyad Mandour, an ENT consultant at the Surgical Arts Hospital in Qatar, guest on the program "With the Sage", explained that using headphones for long periods is at the forefront of habits harmful to hearing, but it is not the only factor, pointing out that the modern lifestyle is replete with sources of daily noise inside the homes themselves, such as vacuum cleaners, blenders, and hair dryers, in addition to the continuous noise on the streets.
He also warned of common habits that many underestimate, such as using cotton swabs or ear cleaning tools, which often push wax deeper into the ear, causing infections and subsequent hearing problems.
He added that poor nutrition, excessive smoking, and lack of movement and lethargy also affect blood circulation, and consequently the nourishment of inner ear cells and their ability to function and grow properly.
Excessive Use of Headphones
Regarding the medical mechanism of hearing damage, Dr. Mandour clarified that all types of headphones, whether wired, wireless, or Bluetooth, carry nearly the same risks in terms of loud sound impact, with minor differences related to technology.
He pointed out that prolonged exposure to high sounds leads to three main problems:
• Mechanical problem: due to rapid and excessive movement of the eardrum and ossicles.
• Chemical problem: due to increased oxidation processes inside the inner ear.
• Sensorineural problem: affecting the nerve connections and receptors responsible for hearing.
Safe Use
In response to concerns about calling for a complete ban on headphones, Dr. Mandour emphasized that using headphones is not prohibited if done in a regulated and safe manner, stressing the 60/60 rule, which means:
• Use only 60% of the maximum sound power.
• Do not exceed a continuous usage duration of 60 minutes.
He added that most modern smartphones now issue automatic alerts when the sound level exceeds the safe limit, warning against ignoring these notifications.
He also explained that listening at a level below approximately 70 decibels is relatively safe, provided there are rest periods that allow ear ventilation and reduce the risk of moisture and fungal infections.
Which is More Dangerous: In-Ear Headphones or Over-the-Head Headphones?
The consultant explained that headphones that are placed directly in the ear represent a greater danger, as they transmit the sound without dispersal, while headphones that are placed over the head are relatively less dangerous in terms of sound impact intensity.
However, he cautioned against possible side effects of over-the-head headphones, such as:
• Severe cracking.
• Tinnitus or numbness.
• Migraines and difficulty moving the jaw, which may sometimes be misdiagnosed as neurological issues.
When Do We Know We've Exceeded the Safe Limit?
One important warning sign, according to Dr. Mandour, is if the person sitting next to you can hear what is coming from your headphones, this means you have exceeded 60-70% of the safe sound level.
The doctor emphasized that prevention remains the first line of defense, but in cases of hearing damage, several treatment options are available, including:
• Medication with supplements that improve blood circulation and nerve nutrition.
• Local injections such as cortisone in cases of sudden hearing loss.
• Supplements like folic acid and B-complex vitamins.
• New medications that help rebuild nerve cells to varying degrees.
He noted that the main goal of treatment is not only to restore hearing, but also to enhance the ability to interpret speech, which is one of the first functions to be affected in those suffering.
Early Warning
Dr. Ziyad Mandour explained that recent studies have shown that the first frequencies to be affected are those related to understanding speech, an issue that was common among the elderly but is now appearing among teenagers due to poor usage of headphones, alongside exposure to loud sounds in gyms and entertainment venues.
