Loud Music Can Damage Your Hearing
Loud music can damage your hearing, according to the World Health Organization.
Noise levels above 85 decibels for 8 hours or 100 decibels for 15 minutes are unsafe and can lead to hearing loss or tinnitis, which is a constant ringing in the ears. More than one billion teenagers and young adults are at risk of losing their hearing, according to WHO statistics. Loud bars, nightclubs and music and sporting events, and personal audio devices like earbuds can permanently damage your hearing.
In a study, WHO analyzed the listening habits of 12 to 35-year-olds in wealthier countries and found that 50% of the participants listened to unsafe sound levels on their personal audio devices, while nearly 40% were exposed to damaging noise levels at entertainment venues.
The WHO has launched a a new campaign, Make Listening Safe, to prevent hearing loss. The campaign urges audio device manufacturers to include audio saftey features on their devices, and to educate consumers on safe sound levels. The campaign is also asking governments to create and enforce reulations on noise levels at entertainment venues.
To prevent hearing loss, the WHO says, turn down the volume level on your audio devices to 60%, take frequent listening breaks, and use ear protection whenever you go to concerts or other venues where you’re likely to be exposed to loud noise.
Category: News
