Excessive Headphone Use Causes Harm
By Dan Kane
Salem, Mass., May 7, 2016 — Every day hundreds of Salem State University students and millions of people around the world carefully place their headphones inside their ears, getting them in just the right position so they can enjoy their favorite music comfortably, without knowing they may be inflicting irreversible damage onto their ability to hear.
Over one billion people worldwide are at risk of this sound-induced hearing loss that can be caused by the misuse of headphones, which involves using them to long and setting the volume to high, according the World Health Organization.
Like many other students and others who use headphones everyday Michael Troy, a Salem State student, had no idea about these health risks headphones pose. Troy said he uses headphones an estimated three hours a day and usually has the volume around its maximum.
“I always have my headphones with me, it’s apart of my everyday routine [to use them],” Troy said.
Twenty-six million Americans ages 20 to 69 have suffered permanent hearing damage due to excessive exposure to noise, which includes from headphones, according to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Extreme high volume damages structures and nerve fibers that respond to the noise, according to the CDC. Damage that cannot be medically or surgically be corrected.
According to one study performed by the New York City Health Department, more than 36 percent of New Yorkers ages 18 to 44 reported using headphones to listen to music everyday. The study also found that 10 percent of that age group reported a hearing problem. Younger adults who reported heavy use of headphones were two times more likely to report a hearing issue like hearing ringing in the ears, a symptom signaling possible hearing damage, according to the NYC Health Department.
Josh Hodgdon, a local student from North Shore Community College, said he uses his headphones everyday while doing his homework.
“I probably use [headphones] for four hours everyday at max volume always,” Hodgdon said. He says that it helps him focus on his work and block out distractions.
Eight out of 15 students asked at Salem State and North Shore Community College said they use their headphones everyday. Also, 10 said that when they are using headphones they’re usually on at 80 percent volume or higher.
When presented with the risks of using headphones seven of the 15 students declared that they probably wouldn’t cut down on headphone use, with most saying the habit is too much a part their daily routines.
After the study, the NYC Health Department recommended headphone users reduce volume and listening time and to also take regular breaks and never use headphones at maximum volume. The department also recommended that manufacturers provide features to inform a user about the details of their listening habits and warn users with unsafe habits.
The World Health Organization recommends headphone users limit usage time to one hour a day. Also, headphone volume should not exceed 60 percent to ensure safe usage.
Hodgdon said he doesn’t know if he could follow the guidelines recommended by these health agencies.
“I think it depends on who you are,” he said. “I have my habits [with headphones] and if I don’t experience any symptoms or notice a problem myself I probably won’t stop.”
