Noise exposure, not age, is the leading cause of hearing loss. Many adolescents and young adults are unaware of the potential for permanent hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise. Damage to the delicate hair cells of the inner ear is cumulative. One survey found that 12–15% of schoolage children have some hearing deficits due to noise exposure (Harrison, 2012). While rock concerts have long been known for excessively loud music, people are also exposed to unhealthy levels of noise in restaurants, athletic stadiums, and in spin and other exercise classes. iPods and other personal music players can also expose the listener to dangerously high levels of noise (Breinbauer & others, 2012). As a general rule, if other people can hear what you are listening to, the sound is turned up too high.

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