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WHO Concerned about Hearing Problems in Young People
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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The World Health Organization has expressed concern about loud listening to music, which leads to hearing problems, especially at a young age. Recently, music on unsafe volume is found not only in nightclubs, cafes, but also in cinemas, stadiums, and even in sports centers. Modern technologies are now widespread and available to almost everyone, but they pose a particular danger to teenagers who, for example, use smartphones to listen to music and often at very high volumes, which threatens not only the development of hearing problems, but also the complete loss of hearing in a fairly young age.
According to the forecasts of the world health organization in the world, more than one billion young people can suffer from various hearing disorders as a result of listening to music at high volume. More than forty million people between the ages of 12 and 35 have obvious hearing problems that can eventually lead to disability.
About half of the young people in the world prefer to listen to music using smartphones, players and other audio devices through headphones at a very high volume, about 40% are exposed to high volume in entertainment clubs, cafes, discotheques, etc.
To maintain its hearing, WHO recommends limiting the volume level (optimally if the volume level does not exceed 60% of the maximum values).
Also, for protection, special ear protectors can be used during visits to discotheques, entertainment clubs, cinemas, cafes and other places where the noise level may exceed the maximum allowable value.
When choosing headphones, preference should be given to models of noise-canceling headphones that reduce background noise and make the sound cleaner even at low volume levels.
It is important to make small breaks during your stay in noisy places (cafes, nightclubs, sporting events) to reduce the total time of noise exposure, for example, you can go out or retire to a quieter place.
In noisy places, it is best to avoid direct proximity to the source of sound. You should choose a location away from the loudspeakers or speakers.
Also, you should limit the time of listening to music on audio devices using headphones.
Modern smartphones have a special technology that allows you to measure the level of noise exposure and get acquainted with information about the possible risks of developing hearing problems.
At the first occurrence of hearing problems, for example, if you become uncomfortable hearing some sounds (for example, the doorbell or alarm clock), you can hardly understand the speech while talking on the phone or in crowded places, you should immediately seek help from a specialist.
It is important to systematically check your hearing to avoid problems in the future, because the problem at an early stage of development is easier to treat and correct.