We’ve heard before that using headphones or earbuds too loudly could be affecting our hearing… but there’s new research showing that with so many kids and teens being exposed to loud music… they are now show signs of early and permanent hearing damage.
Canadian researchers found one quarter of 11 to 17 year olds with risky listening habits had a persistent ringing in their ears — that is more common among older adults.
These teens could still hear as well as their peers … but were more likely to be very sensitive to loud noises. That’s a sign of hidden damage to the nerves … which can lead to hearing impairment later in life.
What may be contributing to that is the use of headphones, most specifically ear buds. Audiologists say the volume of your music should not be more than 50 percent of what your device is capable of.
85 decibels is the goal — your ears cannot handle noise above that for an extended amount of time.
Research has proven: “at about 110 decibels you have 90 seconds before it starts damaging your hearing.” so imagine all the times after a club, concert, or sports event… when you ears are ringing!
“your hearing may temporarily go back to normal but you’ve done some damage and the more you do that, the more times you expose your ears to that kind of noise, the more likely it is that you’re going to be developing permanent hearing loss”.
According to research, being outdoors is typically when people want to turn up the volume… and in that case… the music doesn’t block out the other sounds, it adds to them.
Source: http://www.wgrz.com/news/health/health-hearing/313750707