Every time you hear loud music you are increasing the risk of damaging your hearing. Repeated exposure to loud music can permanently damage the inner ear and can cause permanent hearing loss.

According to a February 2015 news release, the World Health Organization has reported that about 1.1 billion teenagers have been found to be at risk of developing hearing problems. The primary reason attributed to this alarming statistic is the frequent use of iPod, MP3 players, and smartphones, and also the high exposure to noise pollution at public entertainment facilities like discos or nightclubs. Musicians are also at increased risk of hearing loss.

WHO’s report has particularly singled out the 12-35 years age-group from middle-class and affluent families who routinely listen to loud music are developing hearing loss gradually, unknowingly. By definition, an individual exposed to over 85 dB of noise for more than 8 hours at a stretch is a high-risk individual for hearing loss.

 The risk of damage to hearing from music depends on:

Loudness of the music
Closeness to the source of music/ speakers
Duration of exposure to loud music
Family history of hearing loss
Individual susceptibility to noise

The adverse effect of noise on the teenager’s ears

Typically during New Year parties or other similar festivities, sound levels are very high before people realize, they may experience a sudden numbing sensation in the ears followed by a deafening silence! This experience differs from person to person, but teenage party-goers frequently complain about hearing problems after attending a rock concert or a whole-night party. Many of these teenagers who complain about a temporary hearing loss from time to time may develop serious problems later in their lives, as indicated by Noise induces hearing loss.

Teenagers from low-income groups working at mines, construction sites, oil drills are at same risk of developing hearing loss because of the nature of their occupational environments.

How to know noise is harmful:

If you have to shout to be heard
You have pain in the ears be cod noise
If there is ringing in the ears
If ears feel muffed or reduced hearing

What are some practical solutions to reduced music related damage?

Protect your ear from the new year’s noise suggests some practical ways to avoid hearing problems.

1. Turn down the volume of personal music systems
2. Take regular breaks from loud music or go to less noisy areas from loudest areas in club or
3. Stand away from the sound source or music speakers
4. Use noise canceling headphones
5. Wear earplugs. This solution is recommended for young, professional musicians too.
6. Custom-fit musician earplugs can be used.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The deafening volumes of music played at nightclubs, discos, and parties are simply exposing the young adults to life-threatening sound pollution, which will sooner or later, become an uncontrollable malady of teenage lifestyle all over the world.

If any teenager experiences noise-induced irritability, ear block, buzzing or ringing in the ear, he should immediately consult an ENT Specialist and Hearing test by an audiologist is to be done.