Walk through any school corridor, university campus or train platform today and one sight is almost guaranteed of young people with headphones or earphones firmly in place. Music, podcasts, online lectures and games have become constant companions. While this digital soundtrack brings convenience and enjoyment, health experts are raising a growing concern, are we listening too loud, for too long?
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), once mainly associated with factories and construction sites, is increasingly recognised as a public health issue. Unlike sudden hearing damage caused by explosions, this type of hearing loss develops quietly and gradually, often going unnoticed until it becomes permanent.
Inside the inner ear are tiny hair cells that convert sound vibrations into signals for the brain. Loud noise can damage these cells and once destroyed, they do not regenerate. Under occupational safety and health standards enforced by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), repeated exposure to noise levels above 82 decibels (dB) is considered hazardous. Normal conversation is around 60 dB, while loud music, traffic or personal listening devices at high volume can easily exceed this level, especially when experienced for long periods.
Many personal listening devices, when turned up high, can reach levels comparable to a motorcycle engine. The risk increases when loud listening becomes a daily habit, especially during long study sessions, gaming, commuting or leisure time.
What makes this issue particularly worrying is that young people often feel unaffected. Temporary ringing in the ears or muffled hearing after a concert or prolonged headphone use is commonly dismissed. Audiologists caution that these symptoms can be early warning signs of lasting damage.
International health data supports these concerns. Global estimates suggest that more than one billion young people are potentially at risk of hearing damage due to unsafe listening practices, particularly through headphones and exposure to loud recreational noise. Studies show that many teenagers and university students regularly listen at high volumes for extended periods.
Because hearing loss develops slowly, its effects may only become obvious years later. Beyond difficulty following conversations or hearing in noisy environments, hearing loss can also interfere with speech clarity, learning and social interaction. Young adults may struggle to process speech accurately, participate confidently in discussions, or keep up academically, ultimately affecting communication skills and overall quality of life.
Majority of audiologists consistently emphasise one key message, which is that NIHL is permanent, but it is also preventable. According to hearing specialists, two factors matter most, how loud the sound is and how long the exposure lasts.
They also recommend keeping device volume at moderate levels and taking regular listening breaks to allow the ears time to recover. Using well-fitted or noise-cancelling headphones can also help, as they reduce the need to increase volume in noisy environments such as public transport.
Regular hearing checks are another important preventive step, particularly for those who use headphones daily or frequently attend loud events. Early screening can identify subtle changes before significant damage occurs.
Headphones are not the only concern. Concerts, sporting events, gaming sessions and social venues can all contribute to cumulative noise exposure. When combined with daily personal listening, overall exposure can exceed safe limits without individuals realising it.
Unlike occupational noise, recreational noise is rarely regulated. As a result, awareness and personal responsibility play a critical role in protecting hearing health.
Protecting hearing does not mean giving up music or technology. It simply means listening smarter. Lowering volume, limiting continuous listening time, taking breaks and paying attention to warning signs can make a meaningful difference.
Hearing connects individuals to conversations, music, learning and relationships. Once lost, it cannot be fully restored. As young Malaysians continue to embrace digital lifestyles, understanding the risks of everyday noise has never been more important.
The message from science and hearing professionals is clear, enjoy the sound, but respect your ears. The soundtrack of youth should not come at the cost of silence later in life.
Baljit Kaur is a lecturer and speech-language therapist in the Department of Optometry, Rehabilitation and Wellbeing at the Faculty of Health and Sciences, Management and Science University (MSU), while Amir Ashraf Jalaludin is a lecturer in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the same department.
