HEARING LOSS & HEADPHONES?
Is Anyone Listening?

As a parent, do you often find yourself asking your teenagers to remove their headphones so you can speak to them? You may want to consider doing it even more often.
Current studies have shown that 1 in 5 teens have some form of hearing loss – a rate about 30% higher than it was in the 1980s and 1990s – which many experts believe is due, in part, to the increased use of headphones.
According to experts in the field, listening through headphones at a high volume for extended periods of time can result in lifelong hearing loss for children and teens.
Aside from earphones and personal listening devices, the incredible volume generated at nightclubs, live music venues and even car stereo systems can also be a source of concern.

How Does Hearing Loss Occur?
Hearing loss can result from damage to structures or nerve fibers in the inner ear that responds to sound. This type of hearing loss, termed “noise-induced hearing loss,” is usually caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds and cannot be medically or surgically corrected.

So, how loud is too loud?
Most MP3 players today can produce sounds up to 120 decibels, equivalent to a sound level at a rock concert. At that level, hearing loss can occur after only about an hour and 15 minutes.
If you can’t hear anything going on around you when listening to headphones, the decibel level is too high. The volume should not exceed 60% of maximum volume when listening through headphones.
Duration of exposure to noise is also a major factor. How long is too long?
As a rule of thumb, you should only use MP3 devices at levels up to 60% of maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.
The louder the volume, the shorter your duration should be. At maximum volume, you should listen for only about five minutes a day.
What are the signs of hearing loss?
The type of hearing loss due to headphone use is typically gradual, cumulative and without obvious warning signs.
A hearing test and a medical examination are the only way to truly diagnose hearing damage.
Auditory testing is not easy to find in Bali and I would suggest that you make this part of your medical check list on you overseas visit. However, if you or your child experiences any of the following symptoms, you should visit to a physician immediately.
Ringing, roaring, hissing or buzzing in the ear
Difficulty understanding speech in noisy places or places with poor acoustics
Muffled sounds and a feeling that your ear is plugged
Listening to the TV or radio at a higher volume than in the past

What is the treatment for hearing loss?
The type of hearing loss caused by over exposure to very loud noise is irreversible, making prevention paramount

How can I prevent hearing loss?
First and foremost, follow the 60/60 rule in regards to percentage of maximum volume and duration of time
Use older style, larger headphones that rest over the ear opening instead of earphones that are placed directly in your ear.
If possible, and if it does not drive everyone else mad, normal free standing speakers (at a reasonable volume) could also be an option.

Kim Patra is a qualified Midwife & Nurse Practioner who has been living and working in Bali for over 30 years. She now runs her own Private Practice & Mothers & Babies center at her Community Health Care office in Sanur.
Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns that you have and may be contacted via email at info@chcbali.com or office phone number 0361-2775666

HEARING LOSS & HEADPHONES? Is Anyone Listening?

HEARING LOSS & HEADPHONES?
Is Anyone Listening?