According to a recent study by Macquarie University, up to 41 percent of people that use devices such as smartphones and iPods experience hearing loss. This may sound like an alarmingly high number, and that’s because it is – especially since there are a number of things that can be done to stop this from occurring. There are many strategies for protecting hearing. Knowing how to prevent hearing loss is key, as once damage has been done, it’s too late.
This blog post will focus on hearing loss in relation to using mobile devices and headphones, explore how to prevent hearing loss, and provide some useful strategies for protecting hearing that are easy to follow and implement.
Do Headphones Cause Hearing Loss?
Yes, headphones can cause hearing loss for a number of reasons. As previously mentioned, as many as 41 percent of people who took part in the recent Macquarie University study believe that they may be suffering from hearing loss as a result of headphone use. It was also determined that the risk was particularly high for those who fall in the 18-35 age bracket due to the fact that this demographic often listens to music on personal devices at higher volumes and for longer periods of time.
One reason why many listeners are suffering from hearing loss is because they’re using earbud-type headphones. Earbud headphones don’t cut out any background noise and aren’t effective in reducing overall noise exposure, whereas over-ear noise cancelling headphones are excellent at doing this. This is because noise cancelling headphones work to better block out background noises so the user doesn’t need to increase the volume of the music in order to properly hear it.
How to Prevent Hearing Loss
Your hearing health is of the utmost importance, as unlike many other parts of the body, when damage occurs to your hearing, it’s permanent. The best way to ensure optimum hearing health is to take the proper steps to avoid damage occurring in the first place. When it comes to headphones, it’s wise to invest in a high-quality pair of noise cancelling headphones. Not only will this help to prevent hearing loss, but it can also improve the overall sound quality of the music you’re listening to.
Arrange a Hearing Test
If you think you may be suffering from hearing loss, it’s a good idea to organise a hearing check or test to determine if you’ve suffered any damage. Contact Victorian Hearing today to arrange a test and discuss your options with an experienced audiologist.