The increase in the use of headphones for entertainment purposes with the intensification of technology use also brings with it many ear problems, including permanent hearing loss. With the widespread use of smartphones, nearly 1.5 billion children and adolescents worldwide are at risk of hearing loss.
Near East University Hospital Ear Nose Throat Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Assist. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı says that according to studies, the frequency of hearing loss in adolescents who use headphones for an average of 80 minutes or more per day is 22.3 percent. In addition, he warns that the risk of hearing loss in adolescents who use headphones for more than 80 minutes per day is 4.7 times higher than those who use headphones for less than 80 minutes per day.
Inner ear hearing loss, which used to be an old age disease, has recently started to be seen more frequently in children and adolescents due to the unconscious use of personal headphones for entertainment purposes. Assist. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı noted that constant exposure to loud noises while using headphones plays a leading role in this. Assist. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı emphasized that these hearing losses are classified as inner ear hearing loss, which is irreversible and progresses with constant exposure to high decibels. Assist. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı said, “Not using headphones in a controlled manner can cause permanent hearing loss. Therefore, the volume level of the headphones we use and the duration we use them are very important.” Sharing the information that the human ear can withstand a sound level of 85 decibels for up to 8 hours, Assist. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı stated that hearing loss develops after these levels.
Tinnitus should not be taken lightly!
Assist. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı stated that temporary tinnitus may indicate the onset of hearing loss and stated that early diagnosis is of vital importance in the treatment of hearing loss. Assist. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı said, “Since tinnitus usually goes away on its own at first and people do not yet realize their hearing loss, it is usually underestimated. The inner ear, which is damaged each time, cannot repair itself after a while and as a result, permanent hearing loss develops.”
Assist. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı stated that unconscious use of headphones can also cause significant problems in the outer ear, and stated that the tips of headphones constantly inserted into the outer ear canal irritate the outer ear canal and invite bacterial infections. Assist. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı also stated that prolonged use of headphones can cause hygiene problems and, as a result, fungal diseases.
Do not turn the volume of the headphones up more than 60 percent!
Assist. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı stated that there are many points to be considered for ear health, and he briefly mentioned about them as follows: “First of all, it is necessary to avoid noisy environments for ear health, and if this is not possible, it is absolutely necessary to use ear protection plugs. If listening to music with headphones, the volume of the headphones should not be turned up more than 60 percent and the continuous use time should not exceed one hour. Just like other organs, our ears get tired and need to rest. Therefore, rest breaks should definitely be given to protect the ears. Another important point to note is that you should not sleep while 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.”