Music is an integral component of human existence. Music is everywhere, like the sun, and it lifts our spirits. It’s so enjoyable that many people take it everywhere with them, or spend weekends at live music venues and clubs.
Many of us have probably felt annoyed by the loud music in certain venues, or commented on the sound coming from headphones worn by others. We are probably well aware of the need to prevent hearing loss due to loud industrial noises at work or when using power tools at our homes.
A systematic review of the literature was released today in BMJ Global HealthUnsafe listening practices among adolescents and young adults include listening to music loudly and going to gigs and clubs.
The authors even estimate that the loud music could have an effect on the hearing of up to 1.35billion people worldwide.
What the study looked like
Systematic analysis is the process of looking at multiple studies in order to find consistent results. In this study, the authors included 33 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2021, involving over 19,000 people, aged 12–34.
Unsafe listening was defined as listening to levels exceeding 80 decibels for more than 40 hours per week. For context, this is the maximum level that most Australian states can tolerate. require industryTo implement noise protection methods such as the use of hearing protectors.
The study shows that young adults and adolescents are more likely to listen to music on their phones at unsafe levels than they were in public places.
This is based on the global population estimates and could translate to as many as 1.35 billion people globally at risk for hearing loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) EstimatesGlobally, more than 430 million people have a debilitating hearing loss. The prevalence of this condition could rise to twice if it isn’t treated.
These results are consistent with previous studies by Australia’s National Acoustic Laboratories, and the HEARing Cooperative research Centre.
It was more than a decade before we began to reportedThere is a high chance of hearing loss in young Australians aged 18-35 years who attend nightclubs, pubs, or live concerts.
Back then, we found 13 percent of young Australians (aged 18–35) were getting a yearly noise dose from nightclubs, concerts, and sporting activities that exceeded the maximum acceptable dose in industry.
The WHO launched the WHO Global Health Initiative in 2015. Keep your ears safeInitiative to encourage young people in protecting their hearing.
It’s bad news for your hearing
What’s the problem? Overexposure to loud music can cause damage, just like sun exposure.
Loud noise, which includes music, can cause hearing loss Kill hair cells and membranesIn the inner ear (the chochlea). If hearing is lost, it can lead to a loss of speech and understanding.
ResearchIt is possible to have hearing loss from sound being too loud, which doesn’t necessarily need to hurt your ears. Also, you may be exposed to too much sound for too long.
It is a good rule of thumb to keep your hearing healthy by avoiding ringing in your ears. This is a sign of hearing loss. PermanentYou may need to use your hearing aids. Aids or cochlear implants.
But wait, there’s no loud music.
So, what are we to do?
As with sun and skin, it is important to be aware that our hearing can be damaged and to take precautions. It is important to be aware of the level of noise around us and how we can reduce it.
This can be done by using personal hearing protection in clubs (such a Ear muffs and ear plugsThey are fit for their purpose) or limit our visits to loud music venues, or limit how long we spend at these places.
Australians have the opportunity to get a free health check. Calculator for noise riskYou can use an online sound-level meter to determine your personal risk and explore lifestyle changes that could protect your hearing, while still allowing you to enjoy music.
Software that can be installed on most phones is now standard in all models. monitor safe listening levelsLimit exposure.
It is more difficult to protect hearing at the venue level. This may mean that industry-based and regulatory approaches are required. Our 2020 researchWe identified hazards in entertainment venues such as louder or softer volume, rotating staff, raising the speaker positions above head height, and changing the volume of music. We also showed that venues and DJs were open to hearing aid initiatives. Staff.
It is possible to make compromises and allow people to enjoy live music while also protecting their hearing. So everyone can continue to listen to music longer.
Robert CowanProfessorial Research Fellow, Audiology and Speech Pathology The University of Melbourne
This article has been republished from The ConversationUnder a Creative Commons License Please read the Original article.
