Hearing loss that results from exposure to loud noise, called noise-induced hearing loss, is of particular concern for today’s children. Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, invisible, and permanent. It’s cumulative because the damage can start when we are young and get worse over time. It’s invisible because it can happen without noticing it, until it’s too late. And it’s permanent because, unlike a broken arm that gets better over time, we can’t “heal” our hearing. Once it’s damaged, it’s damaged for good.
Educate children and teens about the potential danger of loud music to their ears. Recommendations to reduce potential hearing loss from loud music include:
- Set the audio player at approximately 60% of maximum volume.
- Limit listening to 60 minutes daily.
- You should be able to hear conversations going on around while listening to music.
- Ringing or a feeling of fullness in the ear means the music was too loud.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health