Let’s talk about Noise Induced Hearing Loss. It’s the number one cause of hearing loss in our society today, affecting over 36 million Americans-- that figure is expected to grow by 52 percent over the next 25 years.
And here are the facts: A normal face-to-face conversation measures about 65 decibels. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (about the volume of an electric razor) for even 15 minutes or more can cause permanent hearing damage. Noise induced hearing loss is irreversible- but 100% preventable if you have the information needed to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Now, I want you to think about how you use your iPod or MP3 player:
- Do you listen for more than an hour at a time?
- Do you turn it up louder than the ambient noise around you?
- Do you find yourself continually turning it up louder to enjoy the music?
The EAR Foundation is committed to providing education on hearing loss issues. Naturally, the risk of permanent hearing loss from excessive volume levels and prolonged use of MP3 players is an issue we feel compelled to address.
My family alone has six iPods and I can tell you from personal experience that it’s easy to use them inappropriately. If someone else can hear the music coming from your earbuds, you have it turned up way too loud. If you listen while you mow the grass, that’s great, but don’t try to pump the volume up louder than the lawnmower-- use noise-reducing earmuffs over your earbuds. (There are many styles available which are compatible with mp3 players.) If you’re listening for several hours a day, the constant barrage of the sound waves on the fragile cilia of the inner ear get smashed down. Sometimes they recover (that’s the Temporary Threshold), but many times they don’t (that’s Noise Induced Hearing Loss). So cut back a bit, and take breaks on a regular basis.
All I’m saying is: educate yourself, and protect yourself. Take a moment to learn about Noise Induced Hearing Loss and its devastating effects. Pay attention to your own listening habits, and monitor the habits of your loved ones. We love our iPods at my house, and I know we’ll be able to enjoy them for a long time because “Mommy” makes sure we enjoy them responsibly.
Trust me, it’s good advice.
About Guest Author Suzanne Wyatt:
Suzanne Wyatt is the Executive Director of The EAR Foundation, one of the nation's leading education and advocacy groups for the hearing and balance impaired.
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