Near East University Hospital Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Asst. Assoc. 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, it also warns that the risk of hearing loss for adolescents who use headphones for more than 80 minutes a day is 4.7 times higher than those who use headphones for less than 80 minutes a day.
MUTE THE HEADSET VOLUME
Stating that inner ear type hearing loss, which used to be a disease of old age, has recently begun to be seen more frequently in children and adolescents due to the unconscious use of personal headphones for entertainment purposes. Assoc. Dr. Tınazlı noted that constant exposure to loud sounds when using headphones plays a leading role in this. Asst. Assoc. Dr. Tınazlı underlined that these hearing losses are classified as inner ear type hearing loss, which is irreversible and progresses with constant exposure to high decibels. Asst. Assoc. Dr. Tınazlı said, “Not using headphones in a controlled manner may cause permanent hearing loss. Therefore, the volume of the headphones we use and the time we use them are very important,” he said. Assist. shared the information that the human ear can withstand a sound level of 85 decibels for up to 8 hours. Assoc. Dr. Tınazlı stated that hearing loss develops after these levels.
Tinnitus should not be taken lightly
Stating that temporary tinnitus may indicate the beginning of hearing loss, Tınazlı stated that early diagnosis is vital in the treatment of hearing loss. Tınazlı said, “Tinnitus is often underestimated in the beginning because it usually goes away on its own and people cannot yet realize their hearing loss. “The inner ear, which is damaged every time, cannot repair itself after a while, and as a result, permanent hearing loss develops,” he said.
Asst. stated that unconscious use of headphones can also cause serious problems in the outer ear. Assoc. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı stated that earphone tips that are constantly inserted into the external ear canal irritate the external ear canal and invite bacterial infections. Tınazlı also stated that long-term use of the headset may lead to hygiene problems and fungal diseases.
DO NOT TURN THE HEADPHONE VOLUME MORE THAN 60 PERCENT
Assist. stated that there are many points to consider for ear health. Assoc. Dr. Tınazlı briefly touched upon these as follows: “For ear health, it is necessary to first avoid noisy environments, and if this is not possible, it is necessary to use ear protection plugs. If you are going to listen to music with headphones, the volume of the headphones should not be turned up more than 60 percent and the uninterrupted use time should not exceed one hour. Just like other organs, our ears get tired and need rest. Therefore, rest breaks must be taken to protect the ears. Another important point to consider is that you should not sleep by listening to music with headphones. “When choosing headphones, devices that reduce background noise, can play music at a safe level, and have good sound isolation should be preferred,” he said. (UAV)