Headphones and Hearing Loss
Headphones and earphones have become a part of our education system and schools recommend bringing them to school along with the devices. After school, the kids still have these headphones and earphones on, while walking back home and then again at home watching their programs, games and music on devices.
Hearing loss in Kiwi kids is more than double WHO average
World Health Organization estimates that 5.3% of the children between the ages of 12 to 19 have hearing loss, these statistics are of children living in middle to high-income countries.
A pilot study by the foundation of 192 students at Auckland's Rutherford College this year found 11.9 percent had hearing loss that warranted a referral to a medical specialist. Some are even complaining of constant ringing in their ears. According to NFDHH chief executive Natasha Gallardo - "Unfortunately, hearing never comes back – if you lose it, it's gone,".
Noise-induced Hearing Loss
Exposure to loud noises can damage hair cells in the inner ear and the hearing nerve. This is called sensorineural hearing loss or nerve deafness. Sensorineural hearing loss also has many other causes. Hearing loss from loud noises may happen right away or slowly over a period of years. It may be permanent or temporary.
One way of describing the noise is by decibels. Normal conversation is usually about 60 decibels. Regularly being around noises more than 89 decibels can cause hearing loss.
- Permanent hearing loss - 140 to 150 decibels - fireworks within 3 feet, guns or jet engines or 110 decibels that occurs with personal music at the loudest
- Gradual hearing loss - 90 to 109 decibels - subways, motorcycles
- Safe - 89 decibel and below
How to prevent hearing loss in kids that are induced by loud music?
The standard advice is to listen to music at low volumes, reducing the duration of listening to music, etc. The reality is, as soon as you have bought the headphones or earphones for your child, you have little or no control over the volume or for how long the kids are listening to music.
The best solution is to buy them volume limited headphones or earphones.
Volume Limited Headphones / Earphones
Volume limited headphones or earphones limit the maximum output sound level to less than 89 decibels which are considered to be safe. This is the easiest and safest way to prevent hearing loss in young kids. You can choose from volume limited headphones, earphones or Bluetooth headphones and earphones.
You can CLICK HERE to view a variety of volume limited headphones and earphones.
Courtesy School Depot
www.schooldepot.co.nz