On the bustling streets of Nigerian cities–where honking horns and lively chatter form a constant backdrop–it’s uncommon to see young Nigerians with earbuds firmly in place, lost in their personal soundscapes.
Whether it’s the latest Afrobeats hit or an endless stream of TikTok videos, today’s youth are more connected than ever. But behind this vibrant digital lifestyle is a growing, often overlooked, health crisis: the increasing incidence of hearing loss caused by prolonged use of personal listening devices.
Globally, hearing loss has traditionally been seen as an age-related problem, but new research is shifting perception. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that over 1.1 billion young people aged 12 to 35 are at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices, particularly through headphones and earphones.
In Nigeria, where smartphone usage is surging and digital consumption is booming, the risk is quietly embedding itself into daily routines. A study in Kaduna State found that about 17.6% of frequent headphone users were already exhibiting symptoms of hearing loss–mostly mild, high-frequency sensorineural hearing that is subtle yet progressive.
Enema Amodu of Bwari General Hospital in Abuja warns that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
“We are witnessing a worrying trend where our young people, in their desire to stay connected and entertained, are compromising their auditory health,” he said. “Many come in complaining of a ringing sensation in the ears or reduced hearing, often unaware that damage has already begun.” His concerns point to an emerging public-health crisis that few are discussing.
Compounding this crisis is the lack of access to professional help. With over 200 million people, Nigeria has fewer than 500 registered ENT specialists–translating to a doctor-to-patient ratio of about 1:500,000.
In rural communities, the situation is even more dire. Limited access to trained professionals means people turn to informal practitioners or traditional remedies, which may provide temporary relief but lack scientific backing.
Mala Sandabe, an otolaryngologist at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, has been observing this disturbing shift.
“We are increasingly treating patients in their twenties and thirties with hearing conditions we previously associated with much older individuals,” she said. “The saddest part is that much of it is preventable. The combination of high sound exposure, especially from low-quality earbuds, and the trend of wearing them all day has created a ticking time bomb.”
She added that the rising cost of hearing aids and diagnostic tools is further discouraging timely intervention.
The consequences of hearing loss–particularly among the youth–are far-reaching. Even mild hearing impairment can lead to learning difficulties, social isolation, and mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Among adults, untreated hearing impairment has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, cognitive decline, and profound loneliness. Beyond individual health, this also impacts national productivity, especially when it affects working-age youth, thereby creating a ripple effect across education, employment, and healthcare systems.
Despite the gravity of the issue, public awareness remains low. Unlike malaria or HIV/AIDS, hearing loss is not a headline-grabbing condition. Its symptoms are subtle, and its progression is often slow, which means people do not see it as urgent. However, experts warn that ignoring it now will cost Nigeria dearly in the future.
Prevention, experts say, is not only possible but urgent. “We must begin to sensitise our youth on safe listening habits,” says Amodu. “The 60/60 rule, which is listening at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a stretch, is a good start. Also, not sleeping with earbuds in and taking regular breaks from audio devices can go a long way.”
He also advocates for the introduction of routine hearing screening in schools and the integration of auditory health education into the curriculum.
Government action is also critical. The Nigerian government, in collaboration with health and education sectors, must act swiftly to implement WHO-ITU global standards that regulate the maximum sound output of personal listening devices.
Telecom and device companies must be encouraged or compelled to manufacture audio products with built-in safety limits and parental controls.
Parents and guardians, too, have a role to play. Many are unaware of the potential dangers posed by prolonged use of headphones. Engaging parents in conversations about safe technology use at home can help bridge this knowledge gap.
Meanwhile, media campaigns can spotlight the problem and encourage young people to take better care of their hearing.
The digital age has transformed how Nigerians connect, create, and consume. But as the country embraces the benefits, it must also confront their hidden costs. Hearing loss is not just an affliction of the elderly. It is happening now, and it is happening to the youth, the very generation that should be the voice of tomorrow.
As Sandabe puts it, “We cannot afford to be reactive. We need to be proactive. Our ears don’t have spare parts. Once the damage is done, it’s often irreversible. The best gift we can give our children today is the ability to hear clearly tomorrow.”
The time to listen is now—not just to our favourite songs or trending podcasts but to the warning signs echoing in our ears.
In Nigerian cities, the prevalent use of earbuds among young people for listening to music and watching videos has led to a rising yet often ignored health issue: hearing loss. While globally attributed to aging, hearing loss is increasingly affecting young individuals aged 12 to 35, largely due to unsafe listening through headphones. In Nigeria, where digital consumption is soaring, studies show a significant percentage of frequent headphone users already exhibit symptoms of hearing loss. Experts warn this could become a major public health crisis, exacerbated by limited access to specialists and a lack of awareness.
Experts emphasize the importance of prevention and suggest educating young people on safe listening practices, such as following the 60/60 rule—listening at 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes—and integrating hearing health education into school curriculums. Governmental action is crucial, including setting standards for audio devices and involving parents in discussions about technology use. The WHO-ITU standards for maximum sound output regulation are recommended for implementation to help mitigate the risk. Raising public awareness and educating all stakeholders are necessary steps to prevent irreversible damage and ensure healthy auditory futures for the youth.
