Excessive Headphone Use Linked to Hearing Loss
The increased use of headphones for entertainment purposes due to the rise in technology usage is leading to a surge in ear problems, including permanent hearing loss. According to Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Asst. Assoc. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı, approximately 1.5 billion children and adolescents worldwide are at risk of hearing loss due to the widespread use of smartphones.
Studies have shown that adolescents who use headphones for an average of 80 minutes or more a day have a 22.3 percent incidence of hearing loss, with the risk being 4.7 times higher for those who use headphones for longer periods. Asst. Assoc. Dr. Tınazlı warned that constant exposure to loud sounds from headphones can lead to inner ear type hearing loss, which is irreversible and progresses with constant exposure to high decibels.
It is essential to be conscious of headphone use and volume levels to prevent permanent hearing loss. Asst. Assoc. Dr. Tınazlı emphasized that the human ear can withstand a sound level of 85 decibels for up to 8 hours, but hearing loss develops after these levels, so those using headphones should not listen at high volumes for extended periods.
Tinnitus, which is often underestimated in the beginning, can indicate the beginning of hearing loss, and early diagnosis is vital for treatment. Asst. Assoc. Dr. Tınazlı stressed that the unconscious use of headphones can also cause serious problems in the outer ear, such as bacterial infections and fungal diseases.
To maintain ear health, it is crucial to avoid noisy environments and use ear protection plugs when needed. When listening to music with headphones, the volume should not exceed 60 percent, and the uninterrupted use time should not exceed one hour. It is also important to take rest breaks to protect the ears and avoid sleeping while listening to music with headphones. When choosing headphones, devices that reduce background noise and have good sound isolation should be preferred.
