According to an analysis of US data by researchers at the Harvard University, from 1994 to 2006 there has been 15 per cent increase in hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise or music through microphone.

Researchers noted that noise induced hearing loss among girls increased by five per cent, which is very close to the level of boys while there was no significant increase in the rates of hearing loss.

By damaging the sensory cells in the cochlea of the ear, noise leads to hearing loss. Volume and duration of exposure are responsible for this. to Noise induced hearing loss than others, some people are more vulnerable.

About 18.5 per cent teens suffered hearing loss by 19years as per hearing tests conducted in 1988-94. But in 2005 to 2008 this rate dropped down to 17.7 per cent.

There has been an increase in the use of microphones and the use of MP3 and this fall was despite that increase. For longer duration of MP3 use there is damage caused which might not show.

Elisabeth Henderson of Harvard University said, “Accumulated effects of exposure to too-loud music may cause hearing deficits eventually. Noise-induced damage might not be evident by 12 to 19 years of age, but might become increasingly evident in the mid-20s.”