URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Parents in east-central Illinois are being urged to pay close attention to their children’s hearing as noise exposure and unsafe listening habits increase among young people.

According to the World Health Organization, more than 95 million children worldwide have hearing loss, while over 1 billion young adults are at risk of permanent, preventable damage.

Krista Irmeger, an audiologist with OSF HealthCare, said hearing problems can start at birth or develop later from illness, ear infections, or repeated exposure to loud sounds.

“It can be genetic. It can be a factor in pregnancy with the mom; it can be acquired later with different viruses and illnesses,” Irmeger said.

Parents should watch for warning signs in babies, such as lack of startle response to loud noises, and in older children, such as delayed speech development, difficulty following directions, or frequently turning up the television volume.

Irmeger warned that overuse of earbuds and headphones is a growing concern. She recommends keeping volume at 60% or lower and limiting listening time. Families should also use hearing protection at fireworks displays, sporting events, and concerts.

Children in east-central Illinois typically receive hearing screenings through middle school, but parents noticing speech delays, frequent ear infections, or other concerns should schedule an appointment with an audiologist. Treatments may include ear tubes, hearing aids, or surgical options such as bone-anchored hearing aids or cochlear implants.

“If you’re in a situation and it’s loud for you, it’s going to be loud for your kids too,” Irmeger said, emphasizing parental responsibility in preserving hearing health.