Air Pod Users who Turn up the Volume too High Face Risks of Hearing Loss
By Yehudit Garmaise
Just because you are the only one who can hear the loud sounds coming through your air pods does not mean that your hearing cannot be damaged by regular exposure to excessive decibels.
Air pod users and others who regularly listen to music or other sounds at very high volumes face the risk of hearing loss, a new study shows.
The sensation of ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is a sign that your volume may be turned up way too high.
While the average noise level at relatively loud concerts creates sounds that measure at sometimes head-pounding 104 to 112 decibels, hearing experts advise listeners to ensure they limit to sounds that are at the maximum: 85 decibels throughout a 40-hour week to prevent hearing loss.
More than 1 billion young people ranging in ages from ages 12 to 35 years old, who often use air pods, however, are regularly increasing listening to content at 105 decibels for hours that likely exceed 40 hours a week, according to an article published in BMJ Journal on Nov. 15, National Public Radio reported.
“Damage from unsafe listening can compound over life, and noise exposure earlier in life may make individuals more vulnerable to age-related hearing loss,” the researchers said.
Hearing loss in children can lead to reduced motivation and concentration in school, said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which added that hearing loss in adults is linked to depression, cognitive impairment, heart problems, and lower incomes.
The good news is that people who are exposed to excessive noise on their electronic devices can do many things to protect their ears and well-being.
1. Keep your electronic devices at safe volumes.
2. Take frequent breaks from listening to loud music and other sounds.
3. When attending events with loud music, take care to stand farther away from the loudspeakers.
4. In very loud environments, use small foam earplugs or ear protectors that cover your ears.
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