Yet another article on the damaging effects of consistent exposure to loud music via earphones or concerts made me think about this years Christmas list. Do you have music lovers on your list? If you do, you should read this article and truly consider purchasing some hearing protection for them!
Hearing damage can occur after exposure to decibel levels as low as 85 dB. Hearing damage is permanent and irreversible. Tiny hair cells in the inner ear convert sound energy into electrical signals. These signals travel to the brain where the sound is interpreted. Hearing damage occurs when the hair cells are damaged, and the worst part is, they dont grow back. This is why hearing damage is permanent and irreversible. The only way to improve hearing after hearing damage occurs it to wear hearing aids.
Hearing loss, once thought to be merely another dreaded sign of aging, is now reaching greater heights in younger crowds. Part of the reason behind this is the widespread use of iPods and other personal music or gaming devices. The constant exposure to loud sound is increasing the amount of hearing loss cases being seen amongst younger people.
If your kids are music lovers, make sure you educate them on lowering the volume to 60% or less and limit exposure. If you have adolescents or adults on your Christmas list, consider purchasing custom earphones. The quality of the music is improved and the sleek design protects their ears and allows for listening at lower volume levels because ambient noise is blocked. They wont feel the need to crank up the volume.
If your music lover attends concert venues or clubs, he might be exposed to decibel levels well over 120 dB. Some rock groups such as My Bloody Valentine have begun offering free earplugs to their audience. Sound engineer Howard Rappaport of Arlenes Grocery in New York City, offers earplugs for $1.00 a pair for customers. It would be great if all concert and music venues offered this protection to their customers. Rappaport even has a sign posted saying earplugs are sexy!
Musicians reusable earplugs are a great stocking stuffer! They allow the music in, but block damaging decibels. If youre purchasing a musical instrument for your budding musician, you should also include a set of earplugs to protect their hearing while playing electric guitar or worse, drums!
Really, the entire family can benefit from earplugs for one use or another, so put them on the Christmas shopping list. Maybe you can throw some in your own stocking to block your music lovers first attempts at playing their new instrument. Take them out when theyve gotten a bit better!
Cheers!
Meghan