Use your headphone between 60-90 minutes a day!

Noting that the World Health Organization estimates that 1.1 billion young people worldwide may be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening methods, experts state that the risk of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to noise is present in approximately 12 percent of the population worldwide, and this is also one of the most preventable causes.

Stating that when the exposure to noise is especially high, regular or long-term, it causes permanent damage to sensory cells and irreversible hearing loss, Audiologist Research Assistant Büşra Aksu expressed that "It is recommended to use headphones between 60-90 minutes a day, to take frequent breaks and to keep the maximum volume between 60 percent and 80 percent."

Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Audiology, Research Assistant Büşra Aksu evaluated the widespread use of headphones and listening to loud music.

The proportion of people listening to music with headphones has increased by 75%!

Stating that the development in headphone technology and ease of access to headphones in recent years have led to an increase in the use of headphones and exposure to loud sounds by the young population, Büşra Aksu expressed that "The World Health Organization estimates that 1.1 billion young people worldwide may be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening methods. The U.S. study shows that the number of individuals listening to music with on-ear and in-ear headphone increased by 75 percent between 1990 and 2005. It is indisputable that this rate is much higher today."

Hearing loss can be prevented due to prolonged exposure to noise

Evaluating whether listening to loud music with headphones can cause hearing loss, Research Assistant Büşra Aksu stated that "The risk of hearing loss due to long-term exposure to noise is present in approximately 12 percent of the population worldwide, this is also one of the most preventable causes. Because when noise is eliminated, the risk of hearing loss is reduced. It has been suggested that the harmful effects of frequent exposure to loud noise through headphones lead to a high rate of recreational noise-induced hearing loss in children, adolescents and young adults."

What should be the safe listening time and ideal decibel level per day?

Noting that according to the World Health Organization, a sound level above 75 dBA (sounds that the human ear can hear) can potentially damage hearing, Research Assistant Büşra Aksu stated that “A sound level above 85 dBA can cause permanent hearing damage if the daily exposure is more than 1 hour."

Bluetooth technology has not yet been proven to be harmful

Regarding the use of Bluetooth and other wireless technologies, Research Assistant Büşra Aksu made the following statements:

"Bluetooth technology as a form of non-ionizing radiation has not yet been proven to be harmful, both auditory and in other health areas. However, it is recommended to remove the earbuds when not in use to reduce exposure."

If exposure to loud noise is regular and long-term, you should be careful!

Stating that prolonged exposure to loud noise with headphones causes temporary hearing loss or ringing in the ears, Aksu said that "When exposure is especially high, regular or long-term, it causes permanent damage to sensory cells and irreversible hearing loss. Noise makes it difficult to hear high-pitched sounds at first. This makes it difficult to understand speech. It can increase tinnitus and affect a person's quality of life. Some people may be more susceptible to noise-induced hearing loss than others. Careless use of headphones puts you at risk of damaging your hearing. Although hearing loss cannot be stopped, it can usually be prevented. It is recommended to keep the use of headphones between 60-90 minutes a day, take frequent breaks, and keep the maximum volume between 60 percent and 80 percent. In cases where it is desired to listen for more than ninety minutes, it is recommended to lower the volume even more."

What impact do high-tech headphones have on hearing health?

Stating that there is no data in the studies that exposure to EMR (electromagnetic radiation) in wireless headphones is harmful, Research Assistant Büşra Aksu expressed that "Whether wired or wireless, the main damage to hearing is the intensity of the sound and the duration of exposure to the sound."

How should we choose our headphones?

Pointing out that the precautions to be taken for hearing health are the same, regardless of the type and features of the headphones to be selected, Research Assistant Büşra Aksu said that "According to the World Health Organization, keeping the volume low or limiting the time spent with the sound will help protect hearing health. The daily recommended safe sound level should not exceed 80 dBA for forty hours per week."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)