Blasting audio makes it even worse.
A recent report indicates that many young children are at risk of causing permanent damage to their hearing due to prolonged exposure to loud music through earbuds and headphones.
According to the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, two out of three parents reveal that their children aged 5 to 12 regularly use listening devices. Alarmingly, half of these children fall within the 5 to 8 age group, which health experts deem too young to endure extended periods of loud noise exposure.
Dr. Susan Woolford, a pediatrician at the University of Michigan, emphasizes the heightened vulnerability of young children to noise-induced harm due to their ongoing auditory development and smaller ear canal size. This underscores the importance of addressing this issue early on.
The poll findings reveal that half of the parents whose children use listening devices report daily usage of at least an hour, with some indicating up to two hours per day. These devices are most commonly used at home, school, or while traveling in a car.
Acknowledging the growing concern, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a statement emphasizing the need to reduce noise exposure among children, including the prudent use of listening devices.
Prolonged exposure to high volumes of noise can lead to irreversible hearing loss or tinnitus (persistent ringing in the ears), explains Dr. Woolford. Moreover, noise exposure can disrupt children’s sleep patterns, hinder academic performance, elevate stress levels, and even affect blood pressure.
Despite these risks, only half of the parents have taken measures to limit their children’s use of listening devices, such as imposing breaks, setting time restrictions, or monitoring volume levels.
To mitigate the risks, Dr. Woolford recommends the following strategies:
- Monitor volume levels: Ensure that the volume is not too loud, using the “60/60” rule – no more than 60 minutes a day at no more than 60% of the maximum volume.
- Choose devices with volume-limiting features: Opt for devices emitting less than 70 decibels (dBA) to minimize noise-related damage.
- Implement device-free time: Encourage breaks from headphones and earbuds, storing them away after designated usage periods.
- Explore alternative listening options: Consider playing music at a lower volume in the room rather than using earbuds.
- Seek professional evaluation: If concerned about a child’s hearing, consult a pediatrician, audiologist, or ear-nose-throat specialist for assessment and guidance.
By adopting these proactive measures, parents can safeguard their children’s auditory health and promote responsible usage of listening devices from an early age.
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