Convenient Earphones Fuel Hearing Loss... 1 in 5 Under 30 Affected

420,000 Patients Treated for Hearing Loss Last Year... 40% Increase in 5 Years
Tinnitus and Headaches May Accompany... Early Treatment More Effective↑

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The number of people suffering from hearing loss is rapidly increasing. It is not only the elderly but also the younger generation who are increasingly experiencing difficulties in hearing. The widespread use of wireless earphones and the increased usage time are also considered contributing factors. Hearing loss can no longer be viewed solely as a disease of the elderly.

According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients visiting hospitals for hearing loss (disease code H90, conductive and sensorineural hearing loss) was 418,092 last year. Considering that the number was 293,620 in 2014, it has increased by more than 40% in five years. By age group, most patients are over 50, but young patients aged 30 or younger account for 82,586, or 19.7%.

The age at which hearing loss is first diagnosed is also getting younger. Professor Byun Jae-yong of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital pointed out, "The increased frequency and duration of using audio devices such as wireless earphones, listening to loud sounds for long periods, may be one reason for the increase in hearing loss among young people."

Hearing loss is broadly divided into 'conductive hearing loss,' caused by problems in the sound transmission pathway, and 'sensorineural hearing loss,' caused by issues in the sound detection part. Noise-related hearing loss is sensorineural, occurring due to problems in the cochlea or auditory nerve. Sensorineural hearing loss can arise from various causes. It may result from damage to cells and nerves inside the cochlea due to noise, congenital malformations of the cochlea or nerves, or functional decline due to aging.

Jae-Yong Byeon, Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital

Hearing loss is accompanied by various symptoms beyond difficulty hearing, such as tinnitus, headaches, dizziness, decreased concentration and memory, and depression. If hearing loss occurs in childhood, it can lead to difficulties in properly hearing speech and acquiring language, which may affect cognitive function and academic performance. Sudden hearing loss or noise-induced hearing loss can be sufficiently treated with medication such as steroids.

If recovery is not achieved through medication, depending on the cause, hearing aids, middle ear surgery, or cochlear implantation can be performed. Cochlear implants and hearing aids are continuously advancing, becoming smaller in size, so it is important not to avoid treatment due to reluctance at a young age but to actively seek treatment. Hearing loss is known to respond better when treated early.

In the case of noise-induced hearing loss, a certain degree of prevention is possible by changing daily habits. Professor Byun Jae-yong said, "It is best not to wear earphones for more than two hours a day. When listening to loud sounds through earphones, you cannot hear your own voice, which naturally causes you to speak louder. Use this as a gauge and adjust the volume so that you can converse at your normal speaking volume."