To start out this year, I would like to reemphasize the dangers of noise exposure. Specifically, let’s consider how dangerous excessive noise is to our teens and younger children. With the amount of time spent on phones and other sources of music, it’s more important than ever for us as parents to be aware of what would be considered dangerous noise levels. Apple devices currently have warnings, and also the ability to limit volume output in some cases. Several years ago, a friend of mine brought in his daughter, who he was concerned was listening to her MP3 player too loud. Before I went into the exam room , I could actually hear her music playing with the door closed! She underwent an audiogram, which showed a hearing loss, findings consistent with noise exposure even at the age of 17. Most researchers believe that it will only take a few years using these devices to result in permanent hearing loss. Some of these devices can play music as loud as 100 dB or louder. To put that into context , at 100 dB it would only take a few minutes to cause permanent hearing loss. Most of our kids are listening to music on their phones or MP3 players for hours each day!
It may be tough to keep your teens from listening to these devices, but they should also know what the long-term ramifications could be. Exposure to noise can cause permanent hearing loss and this can also lead to problems with stress and other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Being aware of the level of noise that they are listening to is extremely important. Using decibel counters that are available as apps on your phone might be the first way to check these noise levels. Noise outputs of 85dB and above are dangerous, but the latest research is showing that the noise level should be more in the 70 dB range. We would be happy to evaluate any member of your family that might be exposing themselves to excessive noises in any fashion. Make it your New Year’s resolution to protect your ears in 2025!