Experts, noting that the World Health Organization estimates 1.1 billion young people worldwide may be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices, state that the threat of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to noise exists in approximately 12 percent of the global population and is also one of the most preventable causes.
Audiologist Res. Asst. Büşra Aksu stated that when exposure is particularly high, regular, or prolonged, it causes permanent damage to sensory cells and irreversible hearing loss, adding, “It is recommended to keep headphone use between 60-90 minutes a day, take frequent breaks, and maintain the maximum volume level between 60 and 80 percent.”
Res. Asst. Büşra Aksu from the Department of Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar Üniversitesi, evaluated widespread headphone use and listening to loud music.
The rate of people listening to music with headphones increased by 75%!
Res. Asst. Büşra Aksu stated that the development of headphone technology and ease of access to headphones in recent years have led to an increase in headphone use and exposure to loud sounds among the young population, adding, “The World Health Organization estimates that 1.1 billion young people worldwide may be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices. A study conducted in the USA shows that the number of individuals listening to music with over-ear and in-ear headphones increased by 75 percent between 1990 and 2005. It is an undeniable fact that this rate is much higher today.”
Hearing loss due to prolonged noise exposure can be prevented
Evaluating whether listening to loud music with headphones leads to hearing loss, Res. Asst. Büşra Aksu said, “The threat of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to noise exists in approximately 12 percent of the global population, and this is also one of the most preventable causes. Because when the noise is eliminated, the risk of hearing loss decreases. It has been suggested that the harmful effects of frequent exposure to loud sounds through headphones lead to a high rate of recreational noise-induced hearing loss in children, adolescents, and young adults.”
What should be the daily safe listening duration and ideal decibel level?
Res. Asst. Büşra Aksu noted that, according to the World Health Organization, a sound level above 75 dBA (sounds audible to the human ear) can potentially damage hearing, adding, “A sound level above 85 dBA can cause permanent hearing damage if daily exposure exceeds 1 hour.”
No harm from Bluetooth technology has been proven yet
Regarding the use of Bluetooth and other wireless technologies, Res. Asst. Büşra Aksu stated the following:
“As a form of non-ionizing radiation, Bluetooth technology has not yet been proven to cause harm in either auditory or other health areas. Nevertheless, it is recommended to remove headphones when not in use to reduce exposure.”
Caution if exposure to loud sounds is regular and prolonged!
Aksu stated that prolonged exposure to loud sounds with headphones causes temporary hearing loss or tinnitus, adding, “When exposure is particularly high, regular, or prolonged, it leads to permanent damage to sensory cells and irreversible hearing loss. Noise first makes it difficult to hear high-pitched/fine sounds. This makes it harder 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 headphone use poses a risk of damage to your hearing. While hearing loss cannot be stopped, it is often preventable. It is recommended to keep headphone use between 60-90 minutes a day, take frequent breaks, and maintain the maximum volume level between 60 and 80 percent. In cases where listening for longer than ninety minutes is desired, it is recommended to further lower the volume level.”
What is the impact of high-tech headphones on hearing health?
Res. Asst. Büşra Aksu stated that studies have found no data suggesting that exposure to EMR (electromagnetic radiation) from wireless headphones is harmful, adding, “Whether wired or wireless, the main damage to hearing is caused by the intensity of the sound and the duration of exposure to the sound.”
What to consider when choosing headphones?
Res. Asst. Büşra Aksu pointed out that regardless of the type and features of the headphones chosen, the precautions for hearing health remain the same, concluding, “According to the World Health Organization, keeping the volume low or limiting the time spent with sound will help protect hearing health. The daily recommended safe sound level should not exceed 80 dBA for forty hours a week.”
