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ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 11, 2025
ASHA Offers Safe Listening Guidance for Families
ROCKVILLE, Md., Dec. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- If you're shopping for a tween or teen this holiday season, chances are they have at least one item on their wish list that could cause hearing loss if used inappropriately. However, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), hearing damage is easily preventable by taking some simple precautionary steps.
"Our hearing is something that's easy to take for granted—until there's an issue," says Donna Fisher Smiley, PhD, CCC-A, ASHA's chief staff officer for audiology. "Unfortunately, many young adults could be at risk of developing permanent hearing loss due to regular, unsafe habits like spending too much time in noisy environments and listening to their earbuds or headphones at loud volumes."
She continues: "Noise-induced hearing loss is completely preventable, but once it occurs, it's irreversible. This is why raising awareness about hearing protection—along with instilling an appreciation for good hearing—is so important, starting at a young age."
An Overlooked Problem Hearing loss is on the rise in adolescents, mostly because of exposure to loud noise. Already, one in every six to eight middle- and high-school students has measurable hearing loss that is likely noise induced.
Additionally, the World Health Organization states that more than 1 billion young adults are at risk of developing hearing loss from unsafe listening habits.
Left unaddressed, hearing loss can contribute to academic, communication, and social difficulties—and can even affect future career success. Children are particularly susceptible to the negative consequences of undetected and/or unaddressed hearing loss because their auditory system isn't fully developed until late adolescence. Additionally, even a mild hearing loss can mean missing key information, instructions, and social cues while in school and at other settings—which can cause children to fall behind.
Loud Noise Dangers People can listen to sounds at 70 decibels (dB) or lower for as long as they want without risking hearing damage. This is considered a safe listening level. A typical group conversation is around this volume.
In comparison, earbuds and concerts often reach 100 dB or more. The louder the noise, the less time it takes to damage hearing. At 100 dB, it would take 15 minutes or less to potentially cause hearing damage. ASHA urges people to never allow themselves to be exposed to that noise level without wearing hearing protection (e.g., earplugs or protective earmuffs).
Some of the most popular gifts for older children, such as those listed below, can expose them to dangerous volumes:
Tips for Hearing Protection People can still enjoy these products and activities—without risking their hearing. ASHA recommends taking the following steps to protect your hearing:
For more information on hearing loss or to find an audiologist near you, visit http://www.asha.org/public.
About the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 241,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; and students. Audiologists specialize in preventing and assessing hearing and balance disorders as well as providing audiologic treatment, including hearing aids. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identify, assess, and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. http://www.asha.org
Media Contact
Francine Pierson, ASHA, 301-296-8715, [email protected], https://www.asha.org
View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/unsafe-use-of-popular-holiday-gifts-could-lead-to-hearing-loss-in-adolescents-302639632.html
SOURCE ASHA
