Are noise-cancelling headphones to blame for young people's hearing problems?

Sophie, a 25-year-old administration assistant from London, has been facing challenges with her hearing, particularly in noisy environments. She often feels anxious when surrounded by loud sounds, and to cope with this, she relies on noise-cancelling headphones. These headphones are designed to block out background noise, but there are concerns that their frequent use may be contributing to her hearing difficulties. Growing up on a peaceful farm, Sophie did not notice any issues with her hearing until she began attending university in London. It was during this time that she realized she had trouble identifying the source of sounds. In her university lectures, she found it difficult to follow along, often opting to watch recorded lectures online with subtitles instead. 'All the words sounded like gibberish when I was in the actual lecture, and I was trying to hear,' she explained. This struggle extended to her social life, as she frequently left bars and restaurants early due to the overwhelming noise. After undergoing a hearing test that returned normal results, Sophie sought the help of a private audiologist, who diagnosed her with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). This neurological condition affects the brain's ability to process sounds and spoken language. Experts in England are now advocating for more research into the potential link between APD and the overuse of noise-cancelling headphones. Many young people are being referred to audiology departments with hearing complaints, only to find that their hearing is normal, but they struggle with sound processing. APD is often seen in individuals with neurodiverse conditions or those who have experienced brain injuries, but an increasing number of patients without these backgrounds are being diagnosed. This has led audiologists to question whether external factors, such as the use of noise-cancelling headphones, are playing a role. Renee Almeida, a clinical lead in adult audiology, emphasizes the importance of hearing a variety of sounds for the brain to learn what to focus on. She has observed a rise in young people seeking hearing services in the past year. 'There is a difference between hearing and listening. We can see that listening skills are suffering,' she noted. While noise-cancelling headphones can protect ear health by reducing exposure to loud sounds, they may also create a false sense of security. Claire Benton, vice-president of the British Academy of Audiology, warns that by blocking out everyday sounds, the brain may forget how to filter noise effectively. 'You have almost created this false environment by wearing those headphones of only listening to what you want to listen to. You are not having to work at it,' she explained. The development of complex listening skills typically continues into the late teens, and excessive use of noise-cancelling headphones during this time may hinder the ability to process speech and sounds. For individuals experiencing sound processing difficulties, access to care for APD in the NHS is limited. A recent survey revealed that only a small percentage of audiologists feel well-informed about APD. In England, there is only one NHS provider offering comprehensive assessments for adults, and the waiting list can be as long as nine months. Professor Doris-Eva Bamiou, who conducts these assessments, explains that diagnosing APD is a time-consuming process that requires multiple evaluations. The pandemic has also changed how people engage with sounds and visuals, leading to increased anxiety in noisy environments. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children has reported a rise in demand for assessments among children struggling to hear specific words in loud settings. It has become common to see individuals wearing noise-cancelling headphones while watching videos online, even when they can hear the sound perfectly well. A survey indicated that a significant number of young adults prefer to watch TV with subtitles. Dr. Angela Alexander, an audiologist and owner of APD Support, is among those calling for further research into the impact of noise-cancelling headphones on auditory processing, particularly in children. 'What does the future look like if we don't investigate this link? There are a lot of well-meaning parents and teachers who think the answer to children having problems with noise is to wear ear plugs or having noise-cancelling headphones on,' she stated. Dr. Amjad Mahmood, head of audiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, supports the call for more research, noting a significant increase in demand for assessments at the hospital's APD clinic for children under 16. Treatment for APD can lead to positive outcomes, with some patients experiencing full recovery. Mobile apps that offer 'word in noise' training exercises have gained popularity as a way to practice distinguishing speech from background noise. However, access to certain aids, such as microphones and low-gain hearing aids, is limited for adults outside the education system. Dr. Alexander describes the importance of auditory scene analysis, which helps individuals identify threats in their environment. She suggests reducing headphone usage and utilizing transparency modes that allow for some background noise to be heard. Wayne Wilson, an associate professor at The University of Queensland, emphasizes the need for more research on the potential link between noise-cancelling headphones and auditory processing issues. He acknowledges the complexity of conducting controlled studies due to the many variables involved. Sophie is looking forward to starting treatment for her APD in the coming months. 'If me and my boyfriend go out to a bar, sometimes we will leave early because of the noise. It's nice to know maybe after this treatment, I will be able to go to busier places and handle it a bit better,' she expressed.