The prevalence of hearing loss in adolescents who use headphones for an average of 80 minutes or more per day reaches 22.3 percent!
The increasing use of headphones for entertainment purposes, coupled with the increasing use of technology, is bringing with it a wide range of hearing problems, including permanent hearing loss. With the proliferation of smartphones, nearly 1.5 billion children and adolescents worldwide are at risk of hearing loss.
Near East University Hospital Ear, Nose, Throat, Head, and Neck Surgery Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı states that, according to studies, the prevalence of hearing loss in adolescents who use headphones for an average of 80 minutes or more per day is 22.3 percent. He also warns that the risk of hearing loss in adolescents who use headphones for more than 80 minutes per day is 4.7 times higher than in those who use headphones for less than 80 minutes per day.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı stated that inner ear hearing loss, once a disease of aging, has recently become more common in children and adolescents due to the reckless use of personal headphones for recreational purposes, noting that constant exposure to loud noise while using headphones plays a key role in this. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı emphasized that this type of hearing loss is classified as inner ear hearing loss, which is irreversible and progresses with constant high-decibel exposure. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı said, “Failure to use headphones in a controlled manner can lead to permanent hearing loss. Therefore, the volume level of the headphones we use and the duration of use are very important.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı emphasized that the human ear can tolerate a sound level of 85 decibels for up to 8 hours, and that hearing loss develops after these levels.
Tinnitus should not be taken lightly!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı emphasized the vital importance of early diagnosis in the treatment of hearing loss. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı said, “Tinnitus is often underestimated because it typically resolves on its own at first, and because people are not yet aware of hearing loss. The inner ear, which is damaged each time, cannot repair itself after a while, resulting in permanent hearing loss.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı noted that inappropriate use of headphones can also cause significant problems in the outer ear, noting that ear tips constantly inserted into the outer ear canal irritate the ear canal and invite bacterial infections. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Remzi Tınazlı also emphasized that prolonged use of headphones can lead to hygiene problems and, consequently, fungal infections.
Do not turn the volume on your headphones up more than 60 percent!
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tınazlı summarized these points as follows: “For ear health, it’s essential to avoid noisy environments first and foremost, or if that’s not possible, definitely use earplugs. If listening to music through headphones, the volume shouldn’t exceed 60%, and continuous use shouldn’t exceed one hour. Just like other organs, our ears get tired and need rest. Therefore, it’s essential to take rest breaks to protect them. Another important point to keep in mind is not to fall asleep while listening to music through headphones. When choosing headphones, choose devices that reduce background noise, play music at a safe level, and have good sound isolation.”