Teenagers and loud music have been an unstoppable combination for generations.

A new study has found that 1 in 5 American adolescents now experiences some sort of hearing impairment, and the finger of blame is pointing towards ear buds.

Researchers from Boston’s Brigham and Women's Hospital compared the prevalence of hearing loss among adolescents between 1988 and 1994 with the prevalence of hearing loss between 2005 and 2006.They found a 31 percent increase in hearing loss among those between 12 and 19 years old.

While this hearing loss is considered to be slight or mild, various studies have found that even mild hearing loss can negatively affect academic achievement and social interaction. Loud music has been an issue for parents for generations.

The difference is that today’s teens tend to listen to music on ear buds that fit inside the ear canal, allowing the music to penetrate and easily affect the protective hairs inside that canal.

Rule of thumb is that if you can hear the music coming from someone’s buds, the music is loud enough to be doing physical damage to the body’s auditory system and the sense of hearing.

It’s also important to give your ears a break and, like the amount of time you spend on other great indulgences, practice moderation.