A recent study has found that loud music causes damage to young people’s hearing, as they develop persistent tinnitus from frequent exposure to noisy environments.
A study published in the journal Scientific Reports focused on students between ages of 11 and 17, and the presence of tinnitus, shown by buzzing or ringing ears. 29 percent of the young participants showed persistent tinnitus. The problem typically affects older people, over the age of 50.
“It’s a growing problem and I think it’s going to get worse,” study author Larry Roberts of McMaster University in Ontario said. “My personal view is that there is a major public health challenge coming down the road in terms of difficulties with hearing.”
Researchers tested and interviewed 170 students between the ages of 11 and 17 at a school in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Students had their hearing assessed, and were surveyed about experiencing tinnitus. They also were asked about taking part in noisy activities, such as listening to music with headphones, or loud parties or clubs. Nearly all students had been exposed to loud settings, and 55 percent experienced tinnitus over the past twelve months.
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