Kids Hearing

Are your kids damaging their hearing?

Did you know that iPod™ is the highest ever selling electronic device?… We all love our music, particularly our kids!!!

However, there is a down side to this wonderful invention: Studies show that up to 40 percent of 18 to 24 year olds listen to music for at least an hour a day at levels up to 105 decibels. We shouldn’t subject our ears to this level of noise for more than 25 minutes per week!!!

With this ongoing bombardment on our ears there is a danger that we can do significant (and irreparable) damage hearing within five years. The snag with loud music is that it communicates an emotional experience and is thus naturally considered more pleasant than a noise at a similar volume caused by work equipment such as pneumatic drills and chainsaws.

Given that hearing protection must be worn in the workplace when the noise level is at a constant level of 85 decibels or above, you can see how great the danger of irreversible hearing damage through MP3 players is, particularly because most young users are unaware of the fact, or they do not take it seriously.

If this trend continues it has been predicted that one third of young people today will need a hearing aid by the time they turn 50!!!

However, there are ways to help minimise the risk:

1. Turn the volume down!
2. Buy earphones that have a limited output (especially useful for younger children). You can visit our online store for some options.
3. Purchase quality earphones; that way you don’t need to turn the volume up too loud to get the same perception of quality. Quality earphones either isolate or cancel the background noise as well; that way you don’t have to turn the volume up to drown out the noise of the train on your way to work or the annoying background music in the gym!
4. Limit the time you listen to your music; remember although having the music up loud may be cool now, however constant tinnitus or hearing loss definitely isn’t cool!