Protecting Young Ears: Why Hearing Loss Is Starting Earlier Than Ever

We used to think of hearing loss as something that developed later in life. But in 2025, that assumption is quickly becoming outdated.

At Byrom Audiology, we’re seeing more and more young adults – and in some cases teenagers – showing early signs of hearing damage. It’s not due to genetics or rare disorders. It’s due to noise. More specifically, it’s due to how we listen to music, stream content, attend live events, and wear headphones – day in, day out.

Searches for “how to protect hearing at concerts”, “earplugs for festivals”, and “best volume for earbuds” have surged over the last year, and for good reason. 1 in 5 people aged 18–30 now experience some level of permanent hearing change due to noise exposure.

So, what’s causing the shift? What does early hearing damage feel like? And most importantly – what can we do about it?

The Problem: Listening Habits Are Getting Riskier

The World Health Organization recently published findings that over 1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. In the UK, that risk is rising due to three key trends:

1. Personal audio devices

Earbuds and headphones are now worn for hours a day – often at volumes that exceed safe levels. Many smartphones and streaming apps do warn users about high volumes, but these alerts are easily ignored.

In fact, some earbud models can reach up to 100–110 decibels at full volume – roughly the same as a chainsaw.

2. Live music and nightlife

Festivals, gigs, clubs and bars are louder than ever. Decibel readings at many venues now consistently measure over 95 dB, which is well above the safe daily limit (typically 85 dB for eight hours). Even a short exposure at higher levels can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss – especially without protection.

3. Lack of awareness

There’s still a common misconception that “damage only happens when it hurts” – but this isn’t true. Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, gradual, and often painless. By the time someone notices, the damage is often already done.

What Early Damage Feels Like

Hearing damage doesn’t always start with a dramatic event. For many young people, the signs are subtle:

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus) after a night out or loud session with headphones
• Difficulty following conversations in noisy settings, even with good general hearing
• Increased sensitivity to loud sounds, sometimes described as distorted or harsh
• Feeling like ears are “blocked” without any obvious congestion

These are all signs of overstimulation or early neural fatigue – and they should not be ignored.

What We Recommend

At Byrom Audiology, we believe that protecting your hearing should be just as normal as protecting your skin from the sun or your eyes from glare. Here’s what we advise:

1. Use high-fidelity earplugs for concerts and clubs

Unlike the old foam ones, modern “musician’s earplugs” reduce sound evenly across frequencies, so music still sounds clear – just at a safer volume. They’re discreet, reusable, and custom versions are available through our clinic.

Read more about custom ear protection: https://www.peterbyrom.co.uk/ear-protection

2. Follow the 60/60 rule

When using headphones, keep volume under 60 per cent and limit use to 60 minutes at a time without a break. Use over-ear headphones instead of in-ear buds if possible – they’re generally safer and less intense.

3. Use noise-cancelling headphones in loud environments

If you’re listening to music on a train, plane, or in a busy street, you’re likely to turn it up to compete with external noise. Noise-cancelling headphones reduce the need to increase volume – protecting your ears in the process.

4. Give your ears a rest

Just like your muscles need recovery after exercise, your ears need quiet time after loud exposure. Aim for 16 hours of quiet after a loud night out. Silence (or soft background sounds) helps your hearing system reset.

5. Get regular hearing checks

Baseline hearing tests are a great way to monitor your hearing over time. If you’re someone who loves live music or uses headphones all day for work or study, a check every couple of years is a wise move.

Book a hearing test here: https://www.peterbyrom.co.uk/hearing-assessments

The Role of Education

One of the biggest challenges we face isn’t just noise – it’s the lack of early education about hearing health. Schools and youth organisations still rarely talk about hearing protection in the way they do about dental care or mental health. But that’s slowly changing.

In recent months, we’ve been asked to speak with students and young adults about hearing risks, safe listening, and tinnitus prevention. The response is always the same – “Why didn’t anyone tell us this before?”

We’re committed to keeping that conversation going.

Future-Proofing Your Hearing

Noise damage is irreversible. Once the delicate hair cells in your cochlea are destroyed, they don’t grow back. That’s why hearing protection is never about “being paranoid” or “overreacting” – it’s about preserving a sense that connects you to the world.

We don’t want people to stop going to concerts, wearing headphones, or enjoying their lives. But we do want them to do it safely – and know that prevention is far easier than treatment.

Are You Listening Safely?

If you’re unsure whether your listening habits are safe, or you’ve experienced any of the signs mentioned above – even occasionally – now is a good time to take stock.

We’re here to help with advice, professional testing, custom protection, and friendly guidance that supports your lifestyle without compromise.

To book a hearing assessment or ask a question:

Byrom Audiology, Sheffield

Call: 0114 419 1800

Email: support-team@peterbyrom.co.uk

Website: https://www.peterbyrom.co.uk