The risk of hearing loss or deafness is increasing globally. It is considered normal to have ear diseases with increasing age, but according to recent reports, surprisingly, this risk has increased even among younger people in the last few years. The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern in a recent report and said, that due to the increasing use of electronic gadgets, especially earbuds and headphones, the cases of hearing loss and deafness have now increased significantly.
WHO cautioned in its report, that more than one billion (100 crore) people between the ages of 12 and 35 may be at risk of hearing loss or deafness. The main reason for this is considered to be listening to loud music with earbuds for a long time and staying in noisy places.
These loud devices damage the inner ear. Everyone should use these devices with great caution.
Ears are being damaged by loud sound
According to the report, about 65 percent of people who use personal music players with earbuds or headphones continuously use them at a volume of more than 85 (decibels). Sound of such intensity is very harmful to the inner part of the ears.
Unlike damage to other parts of the body, damage to the inner ear is also less likely to heal. Due to exposure to loud sound, cells get damaged over time. This further deteriorates the hearing ability. Globally, crores of people are likely to have this kind of problem in the coming decades.
Experts expressed concern.
Dr. Daniel Fink, Associate Professor of the ENT Department at the University of Colorado, says, I think that on a wider level, the medical and audiology community needs to pay attention to this danger. The increasing use of devices like earbuds in the young population can be a condition that weakens the hearing ability by the age of 40.
The risk of dementia also increases
According to a 2011 study, hearing loss should not be limited to ear problems only. In such people, the risk of brain-related diseases like dementia also increases significantly. People with hearing loss were found to have twice the risk of getting dementia. On the other hand, people who could not hear at all or those who were deaf were found to have a five-fold higher risk of dementia.
Dr. Daniel says some promising studies show that treating hearing problems can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Keep sound low
Health experts say the sound is measured in a unit called the decibel. Sound of 60-70 decibels or less is generally considered safe. However, prolonged or repeated exposure to a sound of 85 or more can reduce hearing ability. Devices like earbuds and headphones can have a sound output of over 100 Hz which, if used for just a few hours, can cause damage to ear cells and increase the risk of hearing problems.
(PC: ISTOCK)
