Believe it or not, millennials are not kids anymore. The millennials, or generation ‘y’, were born between 1981 and 1996 (in 2022, the age range is 41 to 26). This generation is established in careers, some own their own homes, have children… they are adults! Although age may not cause hearing loss in this generation yet, several factors have led to the need for hearing aids for millennials.

The Millennial Experience

Millennials grew up in a time when technology was still new but rapidly changing. Specifically the use of hand-held or personal music players like the Walkman or the iPod. These devices are capable of loud volumes, and the use of earbuds that gets the sound closer to the eardrum has contributed to an increased rate of noise-induced hearing loss. The World Health Organization’s report on hearing (2021, pp 25-26) suggests that hearing loss is on the rise, and in the younger generations, the noise from earbud use is a large contributor.

Other theories around why we are seeing noise-induced hearing loss in this, and younger generations include:

• media volumes too high
• sound pollution
• media and technology that is always on

We live in a loud society! Besides general environmental noise, there is always media present to some extent, and we like our music loud. Does this mean that all millennials will have hearing loss? No. But, it does indicate that we need to prepare for the possibility and promote hearing health hygiene to the next generation better than we have done in the past. Such as…

• When using earbuds, keep the volume below 60% of capacity
• Take listening breaks when in noisy environments
• Using earplugs when in extremely noisy environments like using power tools or concerts
• Get your hearing tested annually if you are in noisy environments or after the age of 40

Hearing aids for Millenials

Inevitably, millennials will need hearing aids. Whether this is due to natural aging or noise, hearing loss is on the rise. This generation is still young and technologically savvy, so the hearing aids available should reflect that. Millennials not only want devices that work for their hearing but are aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced to keep up with their busy lives. Guess what, those are available now!

Over the past decade, a big shift has taken place in the hearing aid industry; these aren’t your grandparent’s hearing aids anymore. These devices are small, rechargeable, Bluetooth compatible, and come in a variety of colours than just beige. That’s in addition to the incredible microchip making thousands of calculations a second to interpret your environment and amplify sound to your hearing prescription.

Hearing aids for millennials might look like some of the following.

The Signia Actives: These little hearing devices include the full range of hearing aid features yet look just like earbuds! They are rechargeable, Bluetooth compatible, and come in colours that no one would think they are hearing aids.

Phonak Audeo Lumity – The first waterproof hearing aid on the market is more than just that. The new Lumity microchip focuses on speech clarity in noise and comes with a universal Bluetooth connection. Their connected app also has the capability of tracking your steps and other health information right from the hearing aids.

Starkey Evolv AI Series, one of the leaders in hearing aid technology, Starkey was the first with rechargeable batteries and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Their new line of hearing aids takes that AI to create a listening experience tailored not only to your hearing loss but learning from your regular environments.

New hearing aid technology is being made with the Millennials and younger in mind. These devices are sleek and sophisticated and can ensure your hearing health technology is the latest on the market. Plus, they can be just as aesthetically pleasing as you would like them to be; between the colour and size, most hearing aids can be virtually invisible. Don’t let age hold you back from getting your hearing health checked; age is not the only cause of hearing loss. Call us today to set up an appointment and take a look firsthand at what is available to you.