Most kids have their hearing tested at birth and, often, again in elementary school. Those tests are crucial in identifying and treating hearing loss early.
An estimated one in eight people over 12 years old has hearing loss in both ears.[1] Because things like noise exposure, illness, physical injury, certain medications and genetics are all possible causes of hearing loss in younger people, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs of damage in your teen that may necessitate another test. Let’s look at a few of those signs below.
Worsening Grades
Hearing loss can make it more difficult to process speech and keep up in the classroom. If your teen’s grades start to slip, it might be more hearing loss-related than study-related.
Difficulty Making Friends
If your teen has trouble making friends or seems to be getting into more disagreements with their friends, it’s possible that they’re having trouble connecting with their peers or experiencing more misunderstandings than they used to.
Frustration in Noisy Environments
Noisy environments like their school cafeteria or a birthday party at Indy Karting & Amusement present difficult hearing challenges. All of the competing sounds can make it almost impossible for someone with hearing loss to focus on and process speech—often leading to frustration or exhaustion.
Accusing Others of Mumbling
Many people with newly developed or mild hearing loss are more likely to assume that other people aren’t speaking clearly than they are to assume the issue stems from their own ears. If your teen is frequently asking others to speak up, they may need a hearing test.
Turning up the TV Volume
Blasting the TV volume to an uncomfortable level for others, or needing subtitles when you didn’t use to, is one of the most common signs of hearing loss.
If you notice any of the above signs of hearing loss, it’s essential to be empathetic when broaching the subject. They may get defensive or even blame you or others for mumbling. Let them know that you’re concerned about their hearing and that you just want to ensure they have all the tools they need to succeed. For more support or to schedule a hearing test for your teen, contact Audiology and Hearing Aid Services today.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing