How are noise cancelling headphones linked to hearing issues among young people?

According to audiologists from the UK's National Health Services, the increasing use of noise cancelling headphones is leading to a rise in auditory processing disorder (APD) among young people. APD is a neurological condition that affects the brain's ability to interpret sounds, especially from background noise. While APD is commonly associated with ear infections, brain injury, or genetic factors, experts have observed that many recent cases in youngsters are specifically related to overuse of noise cancelling headphones, potentially putting users at risk of hearing loss.