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<\/p>\nAccording to WHO, 1 billion+ teenagers and young adults worldwide are at risk of hearing loss, a figure that has grown significantly over the past two decades.<\/p>\n
RUSKIN, Fla. \u2014 Health experts are warning that hearing loss is becoming increasingly common among younger people, driven in part by frequent use of earbuds, headphones and personal gaming devices.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A local nonprofit is working to address the issue through free community hearing screenings and hearing assistance programs.<\/p>\n
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The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation partnered with the Hillsborough County Tax Collector\u2019s Office this week to offer free hearing screenings at the SouthShore Tax Collector’s office in Ruskin.<\/p>\n
For 7-year-old Alicia Marcellus, the screening provided peace of mind ahead of the upcoming school year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI passed. So, it’s very, very good,\u201d Alicia said. \u201cI hope other people will go here too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her grandmother, Darla Saunders, said hearing health is critical to a child’s academic success.<\/p>\n
“We need to make sure that our kids are well prepared for school,\u201d Saunders said. \u201cThey’re able to learn. To hear. If they can’t hear, then that’s going to delay them as far as being able to do their assignments and being able to hear the teachers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event comes as hearing specialists report seeing more young people experiencing hearing problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion teenagers and young adults worldwide are at risk of hearing loss, a figure that has grown significantly over the past two decades.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are seeing a lot more younger and younger people suffering from hearing loss,\u201d Brian Flannery of the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation said. \u201cA lot of it, from what we have seen and heard from other doctors, is that the earbuds and stuff. They have it in their ears all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Experts say prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage over time. Many personal listening devices are capable of producing sounds well above 100 decibels.<\/p>\n
One commonly recommended guideline is the \u201c60\/60 Rule\u201d \u2014 listening at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time before taking a break.<\/p>\n
Flannery said early detection can make a significant difference, particularly for children.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf kids have hearing problems and don’t know it, once they come and get checked out, they could help. Their grades go up. Their state of life improves,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He added that untreated hearing issues often worsen over time, and changing bad habits can help.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can detect it now and we can help now, it hopefully won’t get worse,\u201d Flannery said. \u201cIt’s a lot like things with your health \u2014 if you ignore it and put it off, it gets worse and worse and worse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond screenings, the Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation offers programs that help eligible families obtain hearing-related medical care and devices.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a program for children where the family applies and gets approved,\u201d Flannery said. \u201cThey will be able to pay for your doctor office visit, the hearing aids and accessories that kid may need. One hundred percent no out-of-pocket cost for the family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Saunders said programs like these can help ensure children are ready to succeed in the classroom.<\/p>\n
“This is very important,\u201d she said. \u201cIf we do it early, then that’s great because that’s preparing them for success.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation operates five mobile units that travel throughout Florida providing free hearing screenings.<\/p>\n
The nonprofit also helps connect eligible individuals with hearing-related services, physician visits and hearing devices.\u00a0<\/p>\n