Almost one out of four adults (23%) aged 18-44 who reported heavy headphone use said that they suffered from hearing problems.
(PRWEB UK) 18 July 2013
Younger adults who frequently use headphones at high volumes report more hearing problems than those who use them less often and at lower volumes, says a new report ‘Hearing Problems and Headphone Use in New York City’ published July 11 by the New York City Health Department.
Almost one out of four adults (23%) aged 18-44 who reported heavy headphone use said that they suffered from hearing problems. In fact, they were more than twice as likely to report hearing problems as those who said they didn’t use headphones (9%) or only partook in light to moderate use (10%).
Younger adults between the ages of 18 and 44 are almost three times more likely than adults who are 45 and older to listen to music with headphones. Despite the fact that adults aged 45 and older reported more hearing problems, younger adults who listened to headphones on a regular basis at high volume reported a similar rate of hearing problems.
36% of younger adults who listened to music with headphones, did so every day and of those 16% reported listening at over half the maximum volume for four or more hours.
A spokesperson from Hidden Hearing said:
“Listening to music at high volumes through headphones for a substantial amount of time can cause irreversible damage and result in hearing loss. This research highlights how this problem is panning out in New York, but it is something we are seeing all over the world. It is important to limit your exposure to loud noise as much as possible and only use MP3s at safe volumes, ideally at under 60% of the maximum volume.”
With more than 40 years’ experience in treating hearing loss, Hidden Hearing is entrusted with the care of more than 100,000 people each year. The firm has 84 hearing centres across the UK, all catering for a range of needs and budgets. Specialising in hearing tests and hearing aids, the company also offer a variety of hearing aid accessories and in 2005, became the first dedicated hearing retailer to be recognised as an Investor in People.