Headphones and Hearing Loss – Your Kids Safety

Headphones, Your Kids and Hearing Loss

When I was a kid, having a set of headphones was a big deal. It meant you were connected to a Walkman listening to your only cassette tape or in a classroom connected to those big bulky headphones. Nowadays, seeing kids with headphones, earbuds or a headset is as common as an adult with a cup of coffee. It has become a normal routine. With 4 kids of my own they are always walking around or in their room with some type of speaker connected to their ears. Platforms such as gaming consoles and PCs are almost always used with headsets (headphones with a mic), and it is not uncommon for the kids to lose track of the day immersed in their activity. Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated auto injury medical facilities in the Lexington area, speaks candidly about headphones, your children and hearing loss.

As a parent, I cannot help but keep reminding them of the risks of having speakers strapped to their head every day. There is a risk of hearing loss if it is not addressed. I find myself giving never-ending warnings about the dangers of going deaf, although I am very aware the advice is already falling on deaf ears, much like my own parents’ advice did when I was their age. It is in our best interests to keep the advice up, reminding our children of the importance of protecting their hearing, especially when it comes to prolonged headphone use and gaming marathons.

Research gives a scary picture of the risks involved. It was compiled and analyzed in a systematic review published recently in BMJ Public Health, which found “sound levels from gaming often approach or exceed recommended safety limits for noise exposure. Impulse sounds during gameplay, like gunshots, can reach over 100 decibels in volume – well beyond thresholds considered safe for children and adults….Some gamers, particularly those who play frequently, and at or above the average sound levels probably exceed permissible sound exposure limits, and are thus engaging in unsafe listening practices, which could put them at risk for developing permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus.”

The data shows how big of an issue it has become. Gamers can dedicate large chunks of time every day to their online pursuits. It may not seem a big deal daily, but the cumulative effects should not be underestimated. Over time, repeated exposure to these high-intensity sounds can deal a toll on one’s hearing, leading to irreversible consequences. When looking at the demographics there is a trend of certain groups when it comes to gaming. Young males, emerge as a high-risk demographic, with their excitement for prolonged gaming sessions putting them in that danger zone for hearing loss. As gaming and a myriad of devices continues to grow across every age group, it is important to address the well-being of our children’s ears head on.

In the end, it is important to recognize the seriousness of this issue. You can arm yourself with various supporting evidence simply by researching online. While your words may not immediately resonate with the kids, they have the potential to sow a seed that will bear fruit in their understanding later on.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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