Climate change might be bad for children’s and teen’s hearing

by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition

Photo credit: Mojca J

According to a recent article in Frontiers in Pediatrics, climate change may impact adolescents’ hearing.  The research is drawn from a small study in China which compared results of a variety of hearing tests on 60 teens ranging from 12-18 years old with allergic rhinitis and 30 subjects without allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is an immune-inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa which can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery nasal discharge. 

The subjects with allergic rhinitis had worse hearing as measured by a wide variety of tests, including diminished hearing in higher frequencies.  Good high-frequency hearing is important for understanding speech. What was surprising was that the findings were consistent with a disorder called hidden hearing loss. These findings need to be confirmed by larger studies in different populations, 

Where does climate change come in? According to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, climate change is causing increases in pollen levels which can cause allergic rhinitis. AAFA’s statement is supported by research findings.

Heat and gases emitted by noisy internal combustion engines contribute to climate change. A switch to quieter and cleaner electric-powered equipment will help make a healthier world for all.

Photo credit:  NOAA