In a recent news story writer Jodi Farrell from The Maimi Herald buckled down to find out just how the youth of today, known as the “iPod Generation,” can avoid the high risks of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). With the ever growing popularity of MP3 players, paired with the loud and long listening habits of today’s youth, doctors are reporting younger and younger patients with hearing-loss symptoms that typically don’t occur before middle age.
Although doctors are already seeing a rise in young patients with NIHL symptoms, many fear the worst is yet to come – seeing as many hearing loss symptoms take years to appear.
One of our main awareness platforms here at the clinic is NIHL – from earplug distribution, to the Turn It Down Concert, we try to get the word out that you can protect your ears today for a better sounding tomorrow.
Here are some tips from our docs on how to keep your ears at their full potential!
- Turn It Down! – we’re not telling you to turn off your MP3 player, just turn it down. Make sure to keep the sound below 6o percent of the maximum volume. If sound is leaking through your earbuds, or if you have to yell to hear over your music, your listening too loud.
- Time Yourself – our docs always make sure to share the tip of 60% for 60 minutes or less. Just like exercise or a hard day of work, your ears need a break to recoup and prepare to go again. Remember, the louder your music, the shorter time you should listen.
- Get an Upgrade – instead of using the typical earbuds that come with your iPod, Zune or other MP3 player, upgrade to sound reducing or noise canceling headphones. This will block out background noise, and allow you to keep the volume down. Custom molded earbuds can also be made in our office to help eliminate sounds, and offer extreme comfort.
We hope you can avoid “iPod Ear” by following some of these simple steps. If you have any questions, or if it has been awhile since your last hearing test, give us a call and we would be happy to schedule you in. Happy listening!