Doctors warn that listening too loud,

too long can cause early hearing loss

By Sandy Illian Bosch

Staff Writer

Whether it’s on foot, bike or train, young people bring their MP3 players just about everywhere. However, doctors warn that if people aren’t careful, they soon might need a listening device of another kind.

I’m seeing lots of parents “brining their kids in,” said Ronna Fisher, founder of Hearing Health Center, Inc., which has offices in Chicago, Naperville and Elmhurst. She recently saw a 16-year-old girl whose MP3 habit has caused early and permanent hearing loss. That 16-year-old isn’t alone. Fisher estimates that nearly 20 percent of children 11 to 16 already have some level of hearing loss, with MP3 players as a prominent cause.

“They’re listening to them at such levels that there’s no doubt they’re experiencing hearing loss,” Fisher said.

Doctors agree that a safe listening level is no more than 85 decibels, but portable music devices not only are capable to creating much more sound, they’re capable of running for long periods of time. The long battery life makes these devices more dangerous than the compact disc players and Walkman enjoyed by the generation before.

“One has to be careful with the hours of exposure and the volume,” said Dr. Richard Wiet of the Ear Institute of Chicago.

Parents can help by setting a few boundaries and by purchasing the right equipment.

“If you can hear what they’re listening to in their headphones, it’s too loud,” said Dr. Jesse Wardlow of Drs. Girgis and Assoc. in Hinsdale.

As a general rule, listening devices shouldn’t be set at more than half volume. When parental reminders aren’t enough, parents can take another step to limit the level at which their children can listen to some devices.

Apple, in response to concerns about iPod use and hearing loss, introduced a software update in March for the iPod Nano and fifth generation iPod that allows customers to set their own personal maximum volume limit. The software update also gives parents the ability to set a maximum volume limit on their child’s iPod and lock it with a combination code.

The right ear phones also can help listeners to so safely. Poorly fitting earpieces cause the listener to drown out outside noise by turning up the volume. Fisher suggests customized earpieces that provide optimum listening while eliminating outside noise. Noise-cancelling earphones are another option.

Parents also should limit listening time to one hour, with several hours in between listening sessions.

Meanwhile, Parents should be on the lookout for signs of trouble. If children frequently ask people to repeat themselves, listen to the television too loudly or complain of ringing in the ears, it might be time for an ear exam.

Fisher said she’s seen young people with early hearing loss, but she’s also seen a number of young people who are listening to their parents’ warnings.

“You’re born with all the hearing you’re going to have,” Fisher said. “Hearing loss is permanent, and it will affect you in every part of your life.”

Originally published June 1, 2006