One in five teenagers in the United States experiences some level of hearing loss, with many cases going undiagnosed or untreated due to stigma. However, attitudes are shifting as new technology and a focus on inclusion change how young people approach hearing health.
Audiologist Rachel Raphael from Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore advises parents to watch for signs such as frequent use of earbuds at high volumes, ringing or buzzing in the ears, muffled hearing, and difficulty understanding speech. “In addition, children and teens who report a ringing or buzzing in their ears should have an audiologic evaluation since this is often the first warning sign of inner-ear damage,” said Raphael. “If noise-induced hearing loss is diagnosed early, habits can often be corrected early before hearing loss becomes permanent.”
Other symptoms may include trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, confusion between similar consonants, and difficulty using phones or communicating in noisy environments. Because routine screenings are not common for teens, evaluations are recommended when symptoms or risk factors like chronic ear infections or extended noise exposure appear.
For those seeking help, appointments with pediatricians or ENT specialists typically involve ear exams and hearing tests. Coverage for hearing care varies by state but is often included under insurance or government programs.
Younger teens usually begin with pediatric hearing aids that need updating as they grow. Older teens may transition to adult devices that last several years with proper maintenance. Modern devices feature built-in volume limits and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing streaming from smartphones and discreet designs that resemble standard earbuds.
Ryan McCreery of Boys Town National Research Hospital highlighted the importance of supporting active lifestyles: “Part of our job as audiologists is to ensure teens can participate in their chosen activities,” he said. “Sometimes it takes a little creativity, but we encourage all teens to stay active to benefit both their health and social development.”
Recent research led by McCreery’s team has tracked more than 300 children with mild to severe hearing loss over 17 years through a collaboration among Boys Town National Research Hospital, the University of Iowa, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The findings show that contrary to earlier beliefs, most teens consistently wear their devices eight to ten hours daily.
McCreery pointed out that his colleague Elizabeth Walker from the University of Iowa published a study showing consistent device use among teens: “We’ve been following this group for 17 years and are studying how their needs shift as they enter high school and college,” McCreery says. “Research on teens with hearing loss has been scarce, and before our studies, the prevailing view among audiologists was that teens were reluctant to wear devices.”
Despite regular use, researchers found some devices did not provide enough amplification for certain users. Regular check-ups are recommended so providers can make necessary adjustments.
Addressing concerns about bullying related to wearing aids at school or during sports activities, McCreery said: “We didn’t find teens with hearing loss were bullied more often than kids with normal hearing,” he says. “These kids are thriving and when you see them at school or playing sports you don’t even realize they have hearing loss because they’re doing everything their peers do.”
Data from large surveys indicate that unilateral (one-sided) and high-frequency losses are common among American teenagers; males from lower-income families face higher risks; loud music via headphones remains a significant factor; and students with untreated losses may experience academic challenges including lower test scores and self-esteem issues.
As technology advances and awareness grows among both parents and young people themselves about the benefits of early intervention—such as improved academic outcomes—the stigma surrounding teen use of assistive listening devices appears likely to continue declining.
