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As Teens Plug In, Parents Fret
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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 A whisper, for instance, is typically 30 decibels, the unit of sound measurement used by ear specialists. Loud music, but music not played loud enough to drown out conversations, is about 85 decibels, according to the academy.
But, according to federal workplace safety standards, "if you are exposed to 85 decibels for eight hours on the job, you have to wear ear protection," Bothwell said.
And music from personal players and rock concerts can no doubt be louder than that, she said. Some personal music players can emit music at 115 decibels, according to the academy.
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Noises of 100 decibels can damage hearing after 15 minutes, it says.
But there is much parents can do to preserve the hearing of even the biggest teen music fan, said Tunkel and Bothwell.
- Educate teens about noise-induced hearing loss. And then "empower" them to take responsibility, Boswell said. That works better, she said, than parents telling teens they will confiscate the music player after an hour, the daily time limit recommended by Bothwell.
- Consider buying protective gear. Noise-isolating headphones, for instance, can block ambient or environmental noise so the person can listen and enjoy the music at lower volumes. Simple earplugs can help tone down concert volume, but the bigger, over-the-ear models work better, she said.
- Buy a personal music player with volume options. Some players have built-in maximum volume controls that can be set by the user.
- At rock concerts, use protective gear. University of Minnesota researchers tested 29 concertgoers before and after they attended three concerts, sitting in a range of locations from the stage. Sound levels exceeded all occupational safety levels, no matter where the seat was.
- Be sure teens have an idea of how loud is too loud. Tunkel suggests a simple test: If others can hear the music when a teen is listening with headphones or earbuds, the music is way too loud.
- Point out musicians who are role models. Many musicians take pains to protect their hearing. "Parents should point that out," Bothwell said.
More information
The American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery has more on noise-induced hearing loss in children.
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Copyright © 2009 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated 10/8/2009
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SOURCES: Marcella Bothwell, M.D., pediatric otolaryngologist/head and neck surgeon, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego; David Tunkel, M.D., chief, pediatric otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore; survey, American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, May 2009; April 2006, Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery; American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery (www.entnet.org); U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
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