A Serious Connection Requiring Vigilance for Better Health
More than a billion young people could experience permanent hearing loss from dangerous listening practices, per World Health Organization estimates. Part of the problem? Using personal music players, smartphones, earbuds, and headphones at unsafe volumes.
Though personal listening devices may contribute to risks of hearing loss, some may wonder whether the dangers of recreational noise receive outsized attention compared to the challenge of everyday occupational or military noise exposure.
Our own Dr. Brian Fligor, then an audiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital, took a closer look in a 2009 report. The article, “Personal Listening Devices and Hearing Loss: Seeking Evidence of a Long Term Problem Through a Successful Short-Term Investigation,” sought, in part, to determine whether the noise-related dangers of headphone use warranted public attention.
Dr. Fligor noted in the report that the average user of personal listening devices may not be at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, but the issue deserves consideration just the same. Regardless of the source, noise-related hearing loss is often preventable but, once established, may be permanent. Awareness can play a big role in prevention and critical intervention.
One key step to curbing the risk of hearing damage from unsafe use of personal listening devices involves limiting use to just 90 minutes a day. During that use, it’s important to set the volume at no higher than 80% of the maximum. Keep the volume at no more than 60% of the maximum if your use of the devices is more frequent.
Also important in curbing the threat of noise-related hearing loss? Quality hearing protection. At home, work, or play, hearing protection can deaden potentially harmful noise while still letting you enjoy the sounds you want to hear. Plus, investing in customized options tailored to your ears helps ensure greater protection and a snug, comfortable fit.
With noise-related hearing loss affecting millions of people, including an estimated 1 in 4 U.S. adults ages 20 to 69, it’s a problem that will persist without vigilance. That includes regular hearing checkups to catch and address potential issues early. So don’t wait. Schedule your hearing evaluation with our expert team today. We’re HEAR to help!