Tips to Protect Your Ears From Headphone-Related Hearing Loss

You normally don’t think twice before popping in your headphones and blasting music into your ears, but you might if you know that headphone-related hearing loss has been increasing in recent years. Teenagers today are experiencing hearing loss at a higher rate than 20 years ago. Experts think that hearing loss is increasing among teenagers because many teens use headphones to listen to music. Let’s take a look at how you can protect your ears from headphone-related hearing loss.

Use noise-canceling headphones

There are certain types of headphones that can help prevent hearing loss. One type is noise-canceling headphones. Noise-canceling headphones are useful because they block out background sounds, making it unlikely that people will turn up the volume to better hear their music, and therefore protecting their hearing.

Use earplugs at concerts

If you plan on going to a concert (or if your career includes being a musician, sound crew member, or working at a nightclub), make sure to use earplugs. Most concert music levels range between 100 and 120 decibels. Around 110 decibels, hearing loss can occur after only two minutes. Earplugs are a good option for those who are frequently exposed to loud music, or even those who are going to a concert for the first time.

If you’ve experienced symptoms such as people’s voices sounding muffled, needing to turn the television up higher than usual, or hearing ringing, you may have hearing loss. If you experience these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

 

Revere Health Audiology & Hearing providers are trained to treat hearing problems, breathing difficulties and voice dysfunction. We know and recognize that every single patient is an individual who deserves respect and courtesy, and we are dedicated to approaching patient care as the Golden Rule; you will be treated and helped as part of our family. This is our commitment to you.

Sources:

 

“Headphones & Hearing Loss.” American Osteopathic Association.

https://osteopathic.org/what-is-osteopathic-medicine/headphones-hearing-loss/

“Headphones and Your Risk of Hearing Loss.” Audio Recovery, Inc.

https://www.audiorecovery.com/blog/do-headphones-increase-your-risk-hearing-loss

“5 Ways to Prevent Hearing Loss.” NHS.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/top-10-tips-to-help-protect-your-hearing/

“Prevalence of Hearing Loss in US Children and Adolescents.” JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2643552

“How to pick the best headphones and protect your hearing.” The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/how-to-pick-the-best-headphones-and-protect-your-hearing/2018/09/28/af1cd620-b502-11e8-a7b5-adaaa5b2a57f_story.html?utm_term=.4970a6861526

“Hearing Loss and Music.” MedlinePlus.

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000495.htm

“Should I Wear Earplugs to Concerts?” EverydayHearing.

https://www.everydayhearing.com/hearing-loss/articles/should-i-wear-earplugs-to-concerts/