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
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
'Oh my God, you're my brother': Man in his 70s discovers 6 unknown siblings
After receiving a DNA kit one Christmas from his son-in-law, Hugh McCormick soon discovered that he had six unknown siblings, with whom he shared the same birth parents.
No refund for travellers who cancelled flight already scrapped by airline: regulator
Four years on, the controversy over whether airlines owed refunds to passengers after cancelling hundreds of thousands of flights during the pandemic continues to simmer, aggravated by a sluggish, opaque complaints process.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Rates of cancer declining in Canada, but more work needed to save lives: projections
A new study projecting declining rates of cancer cases and deaths in Canada demonstrates the success of prevention and early detection programs, but also highlights areas where more work is needed to save and prolong lives, researchers say.
DEVELOPING Trump trial arrives at a pivotal moment: Star witness Michael Cohen is poised to take the stand
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
India's mammoth election is more than halfway done as millions begin voting in fourth round
Millions of Indians across 96 constituencies began casting their ballots on Monday as the country's gigantic, six-week-long election edges past its halfway mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third straight term with an eye on winning a supermajority in Parliament.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.