What if we stop turning a deaf ear to the dangers of headphones? On the occasion of the National Hearing Day this Thursday March 11, the JNA association launches the first “Headphone-Free Day”.
Every year, this event offers the opportunity to prevent hearing risks through checks, free screenings and the distribution of practical information guides.
Who are the headphone users today?
In the street, at work or even in bed, many people do not take off their headphones. And that, all generations combined. According to a survey carried out in March 2020 by Ifop and the JNA association, 88% of young people aged 15 to 17 use headphones, 53% of 35-49 year-olds and 36% of 50-64 year-olds.
Almost one in five people use them for more than two hours a day and 25% of those polled have a habit of raising the decibels. Some even keep their headphones on when they go to bed!
Also teleworking. The latest survey in October 2020 found that more than three in five teleworkers used a headset or earphones, 20% of them for more than two hours each day. For many, headphones are also used to create a bubble of privacy in the workplace.
Can our ears stand the headphones?
The ears remain weakened by the omnipresence of headphones. Fatigue, nervousness, loss of concentration: if music is less stressful than noise, the brain expends more energy to decode the sounds around it. The hearing and the cells of the ear are then too strained, when they need rest.
Is using headphones dangerous for our hearing health?
Music, headphones or even speakers have no daily impact and should not be banned. However, note that the intensity, the power of the sound and the duration remain risk factors in the appearance of hearing problems. According to’Inserm, the number of cases continues to increase with age. Deafness affects 6% of 15-24 year olds and 65% of 65 and over.
Our ears are subjected to strong, harmful sound pressure: listening to sound through headphones all the time can cause ringing or ringing in the ears.
What solutions to maintain good hearing?
Headphones aren’t the only way to listen to sound today. It remains important for the health of our ears to vary the listening material. Turn to headphones or speakers, for example.
Take regular breaks, so that the ear can breathe. This is not to restrict yourself, but to remove your headphones for about 10 minutes every hour for example, while making sure to moderate the volume.
Finally, specialists advise to do not exceed a volume of 90 decibels.
Read also :
- Doctor, my ear hurts
- He develops an infection for a cotton swab in his ear
- What to do to relieve tired eyes?
