A concerning trend has emerged regarding hearing health among the population, particularly as the use of earphones and headphones has significantly increased. According to a study by the research firm Embrain Trend Monitor, the percentage of individuals aged 13 to 59 who use these audio devices for 4-5 hours a day has risen from 24.8% in 2018 to 31.8% in 2020. The usage is particularly prevalent among teenagers, with 41.7% of them reported to use earphones during waking hours. Despite the integration of earphones into daily life, awareness about their potential impact on hearing health remains low. Recommendations from the Korean Otolaryngology Association to limit earphone use to 60 minutes a day at a volume not exceeding 60% of maximum capacity are often ignored, leading to serious implications for hearing health.

Hearing loss is difficult to recover from once it has occurred, particularly because specialized auditory hair cells known as outer hair cells do not regenerate once damaged. With the increasing urban noise, excessive earphone use, and the broader use of certain chemotherapy drugs, the lifespan of these hair cells is being reduced, making early detection and protective measures increasingly critical. In fact, the number of patients seeking treatment for hearing loss has surged, with reports indicating that the figure rose from 646,453 in 2020 to 823,301 last year, marking a 27% increase.

Hearing loss is delineated into degrees based on sound volume levels measured in decibels. Normal hearing is categorized as 25 dB or lower, while mild hearing loss is classified between 26-40 dB. This escalating trend in hearing deterioration emphasizes the urgent need for public awareness regarding safe listening practices and the promotion of regular hearing check-ups, especially among younger demographics who are increasingly reliant on personal audio devices.