Noise Induced
Hearing Loss
(NIHL)
Question: Is it dangerous to listen to music via
headphones on a daily basis?
Dr. Meenu Cherian, ENT Specialist responds:
“Our ears are special sense organs that perceive sound and contribute to
maintenance of balance. Loud noise can damage the ear causing a decrease
in hearing. Recreational sound like music using personal headsets and
headphones is a neglected cause of noise induced hearing loss. It is advisable
to avoid constant over exposure to loud sound especially with a head set
or mobile phone for more than two to six hours a day. In case the hearing
appears to be diminishing following a loud sound exposure, it is advisable to
see an ENT specialist so t hat he/she can assess the degree and type of hearing
loss that has occurred, if any, and give appropriate advice to prevent further
loss. Also, sound attenuation by using ear muffs/ ear plugs is advised in area
of work that has constant exposure to loud sound such as steel factories and
welding industries.”
Mar/Apr 2016
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