Secondhand smoke is anything but harmless. Research shows exposure during childhood can lead to hearing loss by the teenage years.
Children exposed to cigarette smoke face a higher risk of hearing loss as teens, according to experts at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City.
Hearing Damage
Scientists studied over 1,500 teens aged 12-19, assessing passive smoke exposure, hearing, health, and family medical history.
The findings? Secondhand smoke directly contributes to hearing damage. Loss severity strongly correlated with cotinine levels—a nicotine byproduct—in the blood. Smoke may also impair ear circulation. Over 80% of affected teens were unaware of their impairment.
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Problems
Early hearing loss risks developmental and functional issues. Teens rarely get screened without known risks. When damage starts is still unclear.
