The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a stark warning about the rising risk of hearing loss among young people worldwide. According to a new report, over 1 billion individuals aged 12 to 35 could face significant hearing impairment by 2050 if current trends continue. The WHO’s “Make Listening Safe” guidelines highlighted that the primary cause of this potential crisis was the widespread use of earphones, earbuds, and other personal listening devices at dangerously high volumes.

Currently, around 500 million people in this age group are already experiencing hearing loss, with 25% of these cases attributed to prolonged exposure to high-volume personal audio devices. Additionally, 50% of those affected are exposed to loud music in entertainment venues such as clubs, cinemas, and fitness centres.

The report emphasised that typical volume levels on personal listening devices ranged from 75 to 136 decibels, with higher settings posing a severe risk to hearing health.

Dr BP Sharma, a former ENT professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, warned that the safe listening level was between 20 and 30 decibels – the volume of a normal conversation. Prolonged exposure to higher volumes can damage the sensory cells in the ears, leading to irreversible hearing loss.

Dr Sharma also noted that noise-induced deafness is permanent, as there are currently no effective treatments or surgical options to repair the damaged high-frequency nerves.

To prevent hearing loss, the WHO advised keeping personal device volumes between 75 and 105 decibels and limiting listening time. The organisation stressed that prevention is crucial, as once the damage is done, it cannot be reversed.