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 growing concerns that their frequent use may be contributing to hearing problems among young people. Sophie grew up on a peaceful farm, but her experience changed when she started university in London. She began to notice difficulties in identifying the source of sounds, which made attending lectures in person quite challenging. Instead of participating in live classes, she opted to watch them online with subtitles. Sophie expressed her frustration, saying, 'All the words sounded like gibberish when I was in the actual lecture, and I was trying to hear. ' This struggle extended to her social life, as she often left bars and restaurants early due to the overwhelming noise. After undergoing a hearing test that returned normal results, Sophie sought help from 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. The audiologist suggested that Sophie's extensive use of noise-cancelling headphones, which she wears for up to five hours a day, might be a contributing factor to her condition. Other audiologists share this concern, emphasizing the need for further research into the potential effects of prolonged headphone use. Reports from five NHS audiology departments indicate a rise in young individuals being referred for hearing issues, only to find that their hearing is normal, but their ability to process sound is impaired. APD is more commonly seen in neurodiverse individuals or those who have experienced brain injuries or childhood ear infections. However, an increasing number of patients without these backgrounds are being diagnosed with APD, prompting audiologists to investigate whether external factors, such as noise-cancelling headphones, are playing a role. Renee Almeida, a clinical lead in adult audiology, highlights the importance of hearing a variety of sounds for the brain to learn to focus on what matters. She has observed a significant increase in young people seeking hearing services in the past year. Almeida stated, 'There is a difference between hearing and listening. We can see that listening skills are suffering. ' 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, individuals may lose the ability to filter noise effectively. She explained, 'You have almost created this false environment by wearing those headphones of only listening to what you want to listen to. ' This can hinder the development of complex listening skills, which typically mature in late adolescence. For those experiencing sound processing difficulties, access to APD care within the NHS is limited. A UK-wide survey conducted in 2024 revealed that only 4% of audiologists feel well-informed about APD. For individuals aged 16 and older, the Royal National ENT and Eastman Hospital is the sole NHS provider offering comprehensive APD assessments, with a waiting list of nine months. Professor Doris-Eva Bamiou, who conducts these assessments, explained that diagnosing APD is time-consuming and costly, requiring extensive testing beyond a standard hearing test. The pandemic has also influenced how people engage with sounds and visuals, leading to increased anxiety in noisy environments. Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children has reported a surge 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. A YouGov survey indicated that 61% of 18-24-year-olds prefer to watch TV with subtitles. Dr. Angela Alexander, an audiologist and owner of APD Support, is advocating for more research into the impact of noise-cancelling headphones on auditory processing, particularly in children. She expressed concern about the potential long-term effects if this issue remains unexamined. Dr. Amjad Mahmood, head of audiology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, echoed the call for further research, noting a significant increase in demand for assessments at their APD clinic for children under 16, particularly regarding difficulties observed in school settings. Treatment for APD can lead to significant improvements, with some patients achieving full recovery. Popular training exercises, often available through mobile apps, help individuals practice distinguishing speech from background noise. However, access to certain supportive products, such as microphones and low-gain hearing aids, is limited for adults outside the education system. Dr. Alexander emphasized the importance of auditory scene analysis, explaining how our brains identify threats in our environment. She suggested that reducing headphone usage and opting for models that allow some background noise to filter through could enhance sound processing abilities. Wayne Wilson, an associate professor at The University of Queensland, highlighted the need for more research to explore the potential link between noise-cancelling headphones and hearing issues. He acknowledged the complexity of conducting controlled studies due to the numerous variables involved. Sophie is optimistic about starting treatment for her APD in the coming months. She hopes that with the right support, she will be able to enjoy social outings without feeling overwhelmed by noise. '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 said.