Earbuds and headphones could be a problem for our hearing!
The common thought is that hearing loss is merely a sign of age. Unfortunately, this isn’t quite true. While old age might have the potential for hearing loss, this condition unfortunately marks the younger age groups significantly. What’s the reason? Below is how earbuds and headphones harm hearing in particular.
The Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss marks the younger age groups significantly, including teens and young adults. NIHL is one of the four main types of hearing loss; as the name implies, it happens due to an injury from a loud noise. Listening to music through earbuds and headphones harm hearing over time, particularly if the wearers have the volume up at unsafe levels. Sensitive ears can also be affected more easily. Other causes of noise-induced hearing loss include music concerts, lawnmowers, and household items like blenders and hair dryers.
What Decibel Is Dangerous?
Scientists have determined that anything higher than 70 dBa can be dangerous, especially when one is exposed for a prolonged time to it. It can be difficult to gauge how loud 70 dBa is; some electronic devices have warning indicators that show when the volume might be too high. In general, it is best to not exceed the halfway mark of your device’s volume capacity.
What Are the Risks of Hearing Loss?
When someone has even mild hearing loss, one loses more than just their hearing. A loss of hearing can have short-term and long-term consequences. Short-term, it could impede communication with friends and family and make tuning into aural cues, such as oncoming traffic, harder. Long-term, it can start the decline of hearing into severe hearing loss at an earlier age. It can also heighten one’s risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Without your hearing, your brain begins to overwork or lose some of its function.
Preventative Measures
Thankfully, you don’t have to endure these consequences with proper hearing care! Clarity Audiology, located in Baltimore, MD, can give you an accurate hearing evaluation and prescription and fit you with the proper treatment if necessary. They can also recommend healthy hearing habits to help you reduce the risk of further hearing loss even more.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.