Even though most individuals realize that listening to iPods and MP3 players at high volumes can lead to hearing loss, no one is really doing anything about it. Teenagers are especially known for playing music at a volume that is not safe for hearing.

Cory Portnuff, an audiologist with Colorado University, began studying iPod related hearing loss in 2006. In this study, Portnuff discovered that teens not only play music louder than adults, but they are really unaware of how loud they’re actually playing it. Portnuff doesn’t think anyone truly understands the risk they are putting themselves at when they use ear buds with a high volume.

Area audiologist, Dr. L. Kris Schnell, M.A. CCC-A, works with local Pomerene Hospital and is concerned about the amount of damage people are causing to their hearing from the use of these types of devices.

“The statistics are alarming,” Schnell said. “According to The American Academy of Audiology, approximately 36 million Americans are experiencing hearing loss. One in three of these 36 million developed the loss from noise exposure and approximately12 percent of all children ages 6-19 have noise induced hearing loss already. This is a huge problem for the future.”

Schnell said that the volume individuals listen to their music at is a key factor to consider in hearing loss.

“The volume at which the music is played is a key factor in the resulting damage to the ears,” she said. “The loudness of sound is measured in units called decibels (dB). Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by prolonged exposure to any loud noise over 85dB. Well, an MP3 player at full volume can deliver 100 dB to the ears nonstop. Normal conversation is at 60 dB. People need to be aware of the dangers that volume settings can pose to hearing.”

In most cases we think of hearing loss as a disease or condition of the elderly, but Schnell said hearing loss has no age boundaries at all.

“Hearing loss can be congenital (from birth), caused by the normal aging process or from noise exposure,” Schnell explained. “Hearing loss from noise exposure is preventable and should be prevented. There are many early signs of hearing loss that individuals should be aware of too. If you feel like people are “mumbling,” catch yourself turning the TV up louder, ask people to repeat themselves or your ears feel “muffled,” these could be early signs that hearing loss has already occurred. You should see an audiologist to get a hearing test and see what you need to do in order to prevent further damage.”

Some things that individuals should do to prevent hearing loss include wear proper ear protection when in noisy environments like concerts, sporting events, car races and so forth, and, most importantly, turn the volume down on your iPod or MP3 player.

According to Schnell, there is a national campaign that addresses this issue. You can actually visit http://www.TurnIttotheLeft.com to learn more about this health concern.

“The Turn It To The Left campaign is letting kids know about the hazards of noise,” Schnell said. “You can visit their website to learn more and obtain additional information. Also, if you or someone you know thinks they may be experiencing a hearing loss, they need to contact either their family doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist and get a referral for a hearing test. Once we have the test results, we are able to counsel the patient as to which options are available to them. Our recommendations are not based solely on the hearing loss, but also the patient’s lifestyle and activities.”

If you are the parent of a teenager, have a serious talk with them about the dangers of hearing loss. It is a very real and serious health issue in our country and seems to be on the rise. Taking action now may be the best way to prevent an epidemic in the future.