We’ve all been there. Ignoring the sound level warnings on our devices without giving it a thought. But they’re there for a reason, you know? What you may consider the “real way to enjoy music”, may be unbearable noise to your body.
The human body is capable of comfortably handling sounds as loud as 80 decibels. But anything louder than that is what doctors call “noise”. It’s not uncommon to see young adults walking around with their ears stuffed with earphones all day. Cranking up the volume to drown out everything and everyone around them. But they’re really doing themselves more harm than good.
“Continuous exposure to loud sounds can lead to permanent loss of hearing. People who are most commonly affected by this are factory workers who handle large industrial machinery, bartenders in pubs, DJs, and call-centre employees,” says Dr C. Shekhar, an ENT Specialist. He says that the most common symptom of noise-induced hearing loss is Tinnitus. “Tinnitus is what people commonly call ‘a ringing noise in their ears’. They’re hearing sounds that don’t really exist,” he explains.
Flint Eastwood Thomas, a regular performer at clubs across the city, can attest to the fact that music can damage your hearing. “I perform with my band at least three or four times a week. Each performance lasts over three hours, and by the time I get back to a silent place, my ears are numb. I have grown used to the feeling, but I am guessing the long-term effects are not the most positive,” he says.
Apart from exposure to loud sounds at concerts, clubs and pubs, which may be a one-off experience for most, young adults need to be cautious about the constant use of headphones. ENT Specialist Dr Ravi Kishore says, “People do not understand that wireless devices not only pose a threat in the form of radiation, but the constant use of headphones also exposes them to noise pollution. Ear pain and heaviness are common symptoms experienced by people.”
If your job requires you to use headphones all day, you can protect yourself by heeding the warnings your phone gives you.
“I used to use headphones for almost six to seven hours at a stretch on a daily basis, especially when I was working. I realise that it has taken a toll on my hearing. I make it a point to not increase the volume beyond the limit, and I pause to take breaks in between,” says Bhavana Murali, a 22-year-old freelance advertiser.
Dr Kishore suggests some other ways to keep your hearing intact. “I’d suggest hearing aids, or earplugs, apart from that, you should definitely get an audiometric test done once every six months or once a year. Sensory loss can be reversed withEarly intervention” he says. So next time, think before you turn the music up and consider the warnings your phone gives you. Your ears might not be thanking you for it.
