Audiologists warn loud music on earbuds causing hearing damage
According to research from Statistics Canada and Canadian Hearing Services, about one third of all Canadians have at least a mild level of hearing loss.
Hearing specialists say one of the main reasons people have hearing loss is because they listen to music that is too loud and for too long on their headphones or ear buds.
Chris Martin of the band Coldplay, Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and The Who’s Pete Townshend are just some of the many musicians suffering from hearing damage after years of exposure to loud music.
But you don’t have to be a rock star to lose your hearing, as people of all ages are vulnerable and audiologists say it’s important to understand the causes.
“Hearing isn’t damaged just by high level sound, it’s damaged by high level sound over a period of time,” said Audiologist Brian Fligor.
Consumer Reports research found that just 15 minutes at a loud sporting event or a concert can cause hearing damage and just five minutes listening to a very loud TV or from music turned all the way up on your smartphone.
If you crank up music on your iPhone daily your risk for hearing loss increases and you may even get messages warning you on your phone that the volume should be turned down.
"We usually recommend that your wear your headphones at about 60 per cent of the volume for about 60 per cent of the time,” said Rex Banks, the Director of Audiology with Canadian Hearing Services.
One way to minimize the intensity of noises around you is to use noise canceling headphones that shut out background clamor so you can keep the volume at a low level.
“If you're wearing audio devices with headphones and in your ears and you have to shout to have someone hear you it's probably too loud and if the person sitting next to you can hear it - it's probably too loud,” said Banks.
If you operate a lawnmower or power tools regularly wear earmuffs or earplugs that reduce noise back down to a normal conversation level.
Many television sets now come with an automatic turn-down function during commercials and loud, action-packed scenes. It's usually found in the "assistive features" in your TV sound settings and may be called "auto volume" or "dynamic range protection.”
Also, if you think you may have hearing loss, consider getting your ears tested and the earlier you get hearing help, the better.
As we get older it's normal to have some hearing loss, but the affects of loud noises and music also accumulate over time.
The best advice is to protect your hearing no matter how old you are.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.