The hearing of teenagers could be jeopardised by the surging popularity of iPods and other earphone devices, an expert warned today.
Ireland's health problems are greater than the European average, with a generation at risk because of exposure to prolonged noise, audiologist Keith Ross added.
At least one-in-ten of the general population experience difficulties, with victims left to guess words and struggling to cope in background noise.
"Some of the figures are quite frightening, the proportion of people wearing earphones through their normal jobs or through listening to Walkmans and iPods," Mr Ross said.
New research found 41 per cent of adults over 15 were wearing earphones regularly, with 82 per cent of 15- to 24-year-olds frequent users.
"We have now realised that people like soldiers firing rifles need ear protection, road workers digging need ear protection, we have got the health and safety legislation there but we have another generation coming up and we have to make progress on this, Mr Ross added.
This is hearing awareness week, and an advice line will be open throughout this week organised by Hidden Hearing, which sells aids.
PA