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Hearing loss from headphones has been a source of concern for audiologists since the 1980's when Walkmans revolutionised the way music was listened to. Today, ipods and MP3 players are top of most young people's birthday lists yet few of them are aware of the damage that headphones can cause to their hearing.
The new design of earphones is proving to be even more hazardous to the wearer due to the closer contact to the ear drum. The ear buds are placed directly into the ear and the volume can be turned up 6-9 decibels louder than on standard muff-type earphones.
This means that users of the ear buds are more likely to suffer hearing impairment than those using the older devices. Audiologists are claiming they have seen the kind of hearing loss in younger people typically found in ageing adults.
In addition to the ability to listen to louder music, thanks to the increased battery life on newer devices and their ability to hold more music, people are listening to music for longer as well, which also increases the potential for hearing damage.
An audiologist at Witchita State University, USA, conducted a study on the average noise levels students were listening to. He found that many students had the volume at 110 to 120 decibels which is the equivalent to sound measures at rock concerts.
It is also sufficiently loud enough to cause hearing loss after only about an hour and 15 minutes. Hearing specialists are now recommending listeners follow the 60 percent/60 minute rule meaning that ipods and other such music devices should only be used for a maximum of an hour a day at a maximum of 60% volume to protect their hearing.
However if listeners are willing to reduce the volume below the 60% and use alternative earphones to the earplugs, they can increase the time they can safely listen to music. Noise-eliminating earphones are another possible option for music lovers as they cancel out background noise, meaning that there's no need to put the volume as high.
Manufacturers should help prevent hearing damage by limiting the maximum volume devices can reach and providing instructions for safe listening. If you have suffered hearing loss from headphones and you feel the manufacturers were to blame, you could be eligible for a compensation claim.
Suffered hearing loss from your headphones? Talk to YouClaim
At YouClaim, our team of personal injury lawyers have the skills and experience needed to help ensure your claim is successful.
Thanks to our no win, no fee policy, you will not be charged a single penny for your claim, regardless of the outcome of your case.
So why not give us a call today and speak to one of our advisers about making a hearing loss from headphones claim.
