Many experts are alarmed by the number of people losing their hearing prematurely and want to take precautions to help people maintain their hearing. Experts are now monitoring noise levels on MP3 players to ensure hearing loss does not occur.
I am sometimes contacted by other bloggers with an interest in ear-related topics. The following gentleman submitted an appropriate blog that reiterates an important message on protecting your ears from hearing loss. Many thanks to John O’Connor of Stoneham, MA for reminding our blog followers of an important message.
Turn the Music Down: You May Be Damaging Your Ears
By John O’Connor
People in loud industrial settings may be permitted to listen to MP3 players to block the sounds that are distracting. Using a loud MP3 player to block hazardous sounds in a factory may not be the wisest strategy. Studies have shown that MP3 players may be responsible for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and MP3-induced hearing loss if the volumes are above 85 dBA.
People Are Losing Hearing Acuity at Alarming Rates
Many experts are alarmed by the number of people losing their hearing prematurely and want to take precautions to help people maintain their hearing. Experts are now monitoring noise levels on MP3 players to ensure hearing loss does not occur. While this sounds like something your mom told you in high school, hearing loss is a legitimate concern.
Over 22 million people in the United States have lost their hearing because of loud noise levels. Would you rather lose your hearing or turn the radio down? Most people would choose to turn the radio down.
Currently, 80 dBA is equivalent to heavy city traffic. This could be damaging to the ears. People do not realize how harmful loud noises can be. With extreme damage to the ears often times one of the only solutions to help rectify the problem is the use of hearing aids or other devices and surgeries.
Furthermore, listening to music on an industrial site may cause complications. Listening to music at loud levels may prevent people from hearing warning signals that may cause bodily injury to an employee. Missing the warning signals from a forklift or other machinery could cause an employee a limb or even their life. Do not take chances. Use earplugs to block noise. If you must listen to music, listen to music at low levels.
Hearing Loss Comes Without Warning
Since noise-induced hearing loss is painless, most people do not realize they are losing their hearing until it is too late. One day, sounds become muffled or distorted and conversations become difficult to follow. Once hearing is lost due to loud noises, hearing acuity cannot be restored.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Affect People of All Ages
NIHL is common in adolescents, but adults can also be affected by loud music as well. Many experts recommend using ear buds to block out ambient noise and prevent users from increasing the volume to unsafe levels. This will protect the ears. New ear buds are available that will set limits on how high the volume can be increased to avoid injury. Experts also recommend taking a break from the MP3 player every 45 minutes to give the ears time to rest.
Prevent NIHL and MP3-induced Hearing Loss
Take the necessary precautions to prevent NIHL and MP3-induced hearing loss. Once hearing is gone from this condition, the possibility of restoration is significantly lowered. Do not be among the at-risk group. Take action and protect your health today.