Silent Symphony Unveiling the Hidden Risks of Headphones on Hearing Health

Noise Induced Hearing Loss is the 2nd most common type of Sensorineural Hearing Loss After age-related Hearing Loss. Prolonged exposure to loud noise (85 decibels (dBA) for 8+ hours a day) damages the inner ear's cochlea, inner hair cells connected to the hearing nerves and auditory nerves, resulting in hearing loss.

Are there any warning signs of hearing loss?

You need to be cautious if experiencing:

- Muffled sounds

- Difficulty understanding conversations in calm environments

- Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds or speech consonants

- Ringing in the ears

- Asking people to repeat themselves or speak louder

- Hypersensitivity to certain sounds

How to diagnose?

• Hearing loss screening is painless and straightforward.
• The doctor examines the ear structures and may do an audiometry.
• Further testing may be required if hearing loss is suspected.
• Speak to a medical professional for any concerns.

Preventing hearing loss with headphones:

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1. Replace earbuds with over-the-ear headphones.

2. Opt for noise-cancelling headphones that block out external sound and allow people to enjoy their music at low volumes.

3. Limit your listening time: Take regular breaks & follow the 60/60 rule. Listen at 60% of the maximum volume for at least 60 minutes.

4. Be cautious with Earbuds as they are more likely to cause hearing damage due to their proximity to the eardrum.

5. Practice good hygiene: Routinely clean your headphones to avoid the buildup of dirt, wax & germs.

6. Get regular hearing check-ups: It is recommended to have standard hearing tests, primarily if you use headphones often.

Listen to the sounds sensibly. Your ears are speaking to you!

References

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