24 Feb 2012
Using personal listening devices for long sessions has
become commonplace, especially among teens.
As a result, such devices have become
potential health hazards, with teenagers the most at risk group for
premature hearing loss.
Technological improvements have led to
headphones which can deliver very high quality music at top volume
for an extensive length of time, a leap from the original Walkman
stereo. Those who habitually listen to loud music regularly could
find their hearing will deteriorate as they head into their 30s. A
recent study by Tel Aviv University in 2011 found that 21 per cent
of teens listen for up to four hours daily and eight per cent
listen for more than this.
A quarter of teens are now at severe risk
of suffering early hearing loss as a direct impact of listening to
high volume music for long periods. The extended exposure slowly
and progressively causes long term damage, which may not begin to
show until years of harm have accumulated.
Some schools are developing programmes to
educate youngsters on the matter and improve awareness. It has been
recommended to limit the time spent using headphones, use
over-the-ear style as opposed to in-ear buds and keep the volume to
a minimum.
If you think you may have a hearing loss why not take our
online hearing check questionnaire or make an
appointment to have a free hearing test at your nearest
Amplifon branch.
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