{"id":1943,"date":"2023-03-31T12:01:27","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T17:01:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foothillsentahc.com\/?p=1943"},"modified":"2023-03-31T12:01:28","modified_gmt":"2023-03-31T17:01:28","slug":"technology-may-put-kids-teens-at-risk-for-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foothillsentahc.com\/technology-may-put-kids-teens-at-risk-for-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology May Put Kids & Teens at Risk for Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>, \u201cAn estimated 12.5% of children and adolescents aged 6\u201319 years (approximately 5.2 million) have suffered permanent damage to their hearing from excessive exposure to noise.\u201d A potential source of this noise exposure is the technology that entertains them. Below we review how loud sounds cause damage, how loud is too loud and how to keep your children\u2019s ears safe to prevent hearing loss<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Loud Sounds Cause Damage<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Inside the inner ear is the cochlea, which is filled with fluid and lined with tiny hair cells. As soundwaves travel through the ears, it moves the fluid, which stimulates the hair cells. The cells convert these soundwaves into electrical impulses, which travel to the brain via the auditory nerve to be interpreted as sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When dangerously loud sounds pass through the ears, it can damage or destroy these cells. Once damaged, they do not regenerate, and the result is permanent sensorineural hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Loud Is Too Loud? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The answer to this question is a little more complex than you might think. When it comes to how loud too loud is, it depends on how long your child is listening for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The simple answer is, according to OSHA, the threshold that is considered safe is approximately 85 dB. This is about the volume of passing highway traffic or a busy caf\u00e9. At this volume, sounds are safe for about eight hours of exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if your child is listening for longer than eight hours, 85 dB is too loud. All-day listening should be limited to less than 70 dB\u2014about the volume of a washing machine or dishwasher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Keep Their Ears Safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some ways you can keep your child\u2019s ears safe are to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n