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We navigate varying levels of sound every day. Having conversations, listening to music, watching television; we are constantly absorbing noise and can typically determine when something is too loud.
On the other hand, kids may not as easily decipher volume and know the impact of loud noise. Exposure to loud noise is a common cause of hearing loss, a pervasive medical condition that impacts 1 in 8 people. People of all ages, including children, can and do experience hearing loss which has a wide range of effects on overall health and well-being. It is important to be aware of volume and ways to protect hearing health.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors including loud noise. One time or consistent exposure to loud noise can permanently damage the auditory system which is how we hear. Specifically, it can cause the hair cells in the inner ear to lose sensitivity and/or die. There are thousands of hair cells in each ear which work to translate soundwaves into electrical signals. These signals then travel through auditory pathways to the brain where they are processed and assigned meaning – this is what enables us to understand what we hear.
Hair cells in the inner ear (in the cochlea), unlike other types of cells, do not regenerate. This means that humans are born with all the hair cells we will ever have. So, when there is damage, the loss incurred is permanent as there is also no medical treatment that can restore hair cells. This is why it is incredibly important to be as proactive about taking care of hearing health as possible!
How Loud is Too Loud?
Sound is measured in decibels (dB) and noise above 85dB is potentially harmful for hearing. There is a spectrum that sound exists on and to better understand the volume of everyday noise kids experience, here is a snapshot:
- 0dB: near complete silence
- 50dB: normal conversation
- 90dB: lawnmower
- 110dB: car horn
- 120dB: concert
- 140dB: fireworks
The impact of sound on hearing depends on proximity to the source of the sound, the volume, and duration of exposure. There are everyday activities that kids participate in that expose them to potentially dangerous levels. A few examples include:
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- Using personal audio devices: smartphones, speakers, iPad etc. can reach up to 100dB on their maximum volume setting.
- Household appliances: various appliances that children may be around and/or use produce sound that’s 85dB and higher. Examples include:
- hair dryer, blender: 80-90dB
- lawn mower, vacuum: 90dB
- Travel: walking or driving through city traffic can expose people to sounds that are 80-90dB
It is important to monitor volume and implement safety measures in daily routines.
Ways to Protect Hearing Health
There are numerous ways you can protect the hearing health of kids (and your own!) and reduce their risk of developing hearing loss. A few tips are:
- Measure volume: you can be aware of the sound kids are exposed to by downloading an app that actually measures decibels in the environment you are in. This is a useful way of monitoring noise levels and reducing or eliminating sound when needed.
- Wear protective gear: there are various types of protective wear which serve as a protective barrier for the ears. This reduces the amount and impact of sound the ears absorb. Types of protective wear are earmuffs, ear plugs, earbuds, and headphones.
- Invest in noise-cancellation headphones: if your kid(s) use headphones, you can invest in noise cancellation features. A useful way to protect hearing, noise-cancellation is designed to reduce background noise. This prevents the user from having to increase the volume when in louder settings. This allows people to listen to audio at safe levels.
- Take listening breaks: this is a great practice to incorporate daily. Our ears and brain are constantly working to absorb and process sound. Taking breaks allows the auditory system the time and space to rest and recover. Power off any devices and encourage kids to enjoy quiet activities: drawing, stretching, playing with clay etc.
- Reduce exposure: you can do this by avoiding loud environments if and when you can, taking alternate routes, turning down the volume, implementing time constraints etc.
Hearing Loss Treatment
Have you experienced changes in your hearing? We’re here to help! We provide comprehensive hearing health services, including custom hearing protection and hearing tests! Contact us to schedule an appointment.