The increase in the use of headphones for entertainment purposes with the intensification of technology use brings with it many ear problems, up to permanent hearing loss. With the widespread use of smartphones, nearly 1 and a half billion children and adolescents worldwide are at risk of hearing loss.
Near East University Hospital Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı says that according to studies, the incidence of hearing loss in adolescents who use headphones for an average of 80 minutes or more a day is 22.3 percent. In addition, he warns that the risk of hearing loss in adolescents who use headphones for more than 80 minutes a day is 4.7 times higher than those who use them for less than 80 minutes a day.
Headphones should be used with the volume turned down
Stating that inner ear type hearing loss, which used to be a disease of old age, has recently started to be seen more frequently in children and adolescents due to the unconscious use of personal headphones for entertainment purposes, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı noted that continuous exposure to high sound during headphone use plays a major role in this. Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı underlined that these hearing losses are classified as irreversible inner ear type hearing loss that progresses with continuous exposure to high decibels. Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı said, “Not using headphones in a controlled manner can cause permanent hearing loss. For this reason, the volume level of the headphones we use and the time we use them are very important.” Sharing the information that the human ear can withstand 85 decibel sound levels for up to 8 hours, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı stated that hearing loss develops after these levels.
Tinnitus should not be taken lightly
Stating that temporary tinnitus may indicate the onset of hearing loss, Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı stated that early diagnosis is vital in the treatment of hearing loss. Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı said, “Tinnitus is often underestimated in the beginning because it usually goes away on its own and people do not yet realize the hearing loss. The inner ear, which is damaged each time, cannot repair itself after a while and as a result, permanent hearing loss develops.”
Stating that unconscious use of headphones can also cause significant problems in the outer ear, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı stated that headphone tips that are constantly inserted into the external auditory canal irritate the external auditory canal and invite bacterial infections. Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı also stated that hygiene problems and fungal diseases may develop due to long-term use of the headphones.
“Do not turn up the volume of the headphones more than 60 percent”
Stating that there are many points to be considered for ear health, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı briefly mentioned them as follows:
“For ear health, first of all, it is necessary to avoid noisy environments, and if this is not possible, it is absolutely necessary to use ear protection plugs. If music is to be listened to with headphones, the volume of the headphones should not be turned up more than 60 percent and the duration of uninterrupted use should not exceed one hour. Just like other organs, our ears get tired and need rest. Therefore, rest breaks should be taken to protect the ears. Another important point to be aware of is that you should not sleep listening to music with headphones. When choosing headphones, devices that reduce background noise, play music at a safe level and have good sound insulation should be preferred.”
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