The Covid-19 Pandemic has seen an increase in the use of headphones in learners of all ages due to adaptation of classroom learning as an online platform, including videos and zoom sessions. Like most things, headphones can be used incorrectly and cause irreversible damage to hearing by using them for extended periods and too loudly.
How Headphones Damage Your Hearing
By directing sound into your ears, headphones improve sound quality and allow children to listen in a “private” setting. More often than not, to block out distracting external sounds, the device volume can be turned up to dangerous levels. Headphones don’t have to be extremely loud to damage your ears. Even listening to headphones at a moderate volume can damage your hearing over time. That’s because your ears are not just damaged by the loudness of a noise, but by the length of exposure as well. That’s the same reason going to a concert or using loud power tools can damage your ears as much as a much louder gunshot or explosion. The duration of the exposure matters just as much as the volume.
How Can I Prevent Hearing Loss?
Lower the Volume: Making sure to keep the headphones at a reasonable volume and limiting the use of these devices. Parents should check the volume of the headphones before the child uses them to make sure the volume is at an acceptable level. Remember that “loudness” of your headphones is based on the volume you’ve set your phone or computer to as well as the type and make of headphone you use.
Reduce External Noise: It’s a smart move to wear headphones with good noise cancellation or reducing the external noises in the new “classroom” environment. By reducing the external noise, your child can listen to sound at a safer level and still hear it relatively loud and clear.
Wear Over-The-Ear Headphones Instead Of Earbuds: Over-the-ear headphones increase the distance between your eardrums and the speakers, lowering the chance for hearing loss.
Limit Exposure: Just like other muscles, our ears become tired and need to rest. So your child needs to take listening breaks to protect their ears. Try taking a 5 minute break every 30 minutes or a 10 minute break every 60 minutes. To be safe, follow the 60/60 rule: Listen at 60% of the device’s maximum volume for 60 minutes, and then take a break.