Portable
devices have been around for decades but, with the advancement of technology, and
prolific use, the risk of hearing loss has risen. Some of the main concerns
include earbud use and extended head phone use. CD and Cassette Players, some of
the first portable music devices, came equipped with headphones, allowing users
to avoid outside distractions and listen to music without distracting others
around them, but new devices come with ear buds, a more isolated form of
listening. Earbuds go directly into the ear, close enough to damage the canal
if music is played too loud. Another concern is the advancement in portable
storage. Old devices allowed for users to listen for maybe an hour at a time.
MP3 Players and iPods can hold thousands of songs and are light to carry,
extending the time people listen to their devices.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association mandates that sounds over 85 decibels can cause hearing loss and
damage. Newer MP3 Players and iPods can reach up to 106 decibels. The younger
the listener, the more damage there is to be done. Hearing loss does not happen
instantaneously, it happens over time. A long term repercussion could include
the inability to distinguish the letters s, h, and f, which could make hearing
difficult.
If kids ask for one of these
devices, there are a few things parents and caregivers can do to lower the
risks. Substituting earbuds for headphones will allow them to listen to music
but leave a safer barrier between the music and ear canal. Also, set musical
limits. All musical devices enable users to set volume controls. Browse the
settings menu and set the volume lower than 85 decibels. Finally, limit the
time spent on these devices. The younger the user, the less time they should
spend. As younger consumers get older and want to listen to music more often,
set time intervals. Remember, hearing loss doesn’t happen instantaneously, it
happens over time.
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