Excessive use of headphones and exposure to loud sounds, especially during video game play, can lead to noise-induced hearing loss in children, warn healthcare professionals in the UAE. Children not only use headphones for educational purposes but also to enhance their gaming experiences. To cater to the preferences of young people, loud sounds and simulations have been integrated into these devices, increasing the risk of hearing damage over time. Dr. Hashim Raoof Abdulraheem Al Hadeethi, a specialist ENT at Burjeel Day Surgery Center, Al Shahama Deerfields Mall, highlighted the potential risks of prolonged headphone use, emphasizing that exposure to high volumes can result in both temporary and permanent hearing loss.
The temporary hearing loss, known as temporary threshold shift (TTS), can occur after exposure to loud sounds and usually resolves with rest. However, repeated exposure to high volumes can cause permanent damage to the inner ear’s hair cells, leading to permanent hearing loss, explained Dr. Al Hadeethi. Healthcare professionals mentioned that sudden exposure to loud sounds, such as at rock concerts or near engines, can lead to ringing in the ears with transient hearing loss. If not managed properly, this could result in permanent deafness. According to Dr. Prashant Sharma, a specialist ENT at Prime Hospital, exposure to sounds over 85db for more than 8 hours a day can damage the ear’s hair cells, underlining the importance of monitoring children’s headphone use closely.
The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2050, around 2.5 billion people globally will experience some level of hearing loss, with 700 million requiring ear and hearing care services. Apart from hearing loss, excessive noise exposure can also have adverse effects on cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. Furthermore, it can lead to anxiety, increased pulse rate, mental fatigue, and sleep disturbances, mentioned Dr. Sharma. To protect children’s hearing, healthcare professionals recommend monitoring headphone use closely and ensuring that they are used at moderate volumes with breaks to allow the ears to rest. Dr. Ashok Kumar Verma, a specialist pediatrician at Aster Clinic Ras Al Khaimah, emphasized the importance of choosing the right type of headphones to reduce direct sound pressure on the eardrum.
Children are more vulnerable to hearing damage from loud noises due to the ongoing development of their ears, explained medical professionals. To mitigate risks, investing in noise-canceling headphones for use in noisy environments can help reduce the need to raise the volume to block external noise, thus lowering the risk of hearing damage, according to Dr. Verma. Hearing loss is not limited to children, as many famous musicians have also experienced hearing issues due to prolonged exposure to high decibel levels. Alka Yagnik, a renowned Indian playback singer, recently disclosed her struggles with rare sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Musicians like Dave Grohl, Huey Lewis, Mick Fleetwood, and Sting have also faced hearing loss problems attributed to prolonged noise exposure.
In conclusion, it is crucial to raise awareness about the risks of noise-induced hearing loss, especially in children who may be more susceptible to damage from excessive headphone use and exposure to loud sounds. Monitoring children’s headphone usage, choosing the right type of headphones, and taking regular breaks to rest the ears are important steps in protecting their hearing health. Healthcare professionals emphasize the need for preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of hearing loss globally and educate individuals on the potential health effects of excessive noise exposure. By understanding and addressing these risks, we can work towards creating a safer environment for our children and future generations.
