Music and sound are an important part of daily life. With the increased use of headphones during remote learning or play, and the reliance on noise machines to help aid sleep, these activities offer entertainment and relaxation for many children. However, these conveniences come with risks that can impact a child’s hearing, ultimately leading to hearing loss in some cases.
Dr. Brian K. Reilly, an otolaryngologist at Children’s National Hospital, discusses these risks and provides tips families can take to maintain optimal hearing health in an increasingly noisy world.
Hearing Health
These activities can pose significant risks to a child’s hearing health, especially for children whose ears are more sensitive to loud noises. Excessive or prolonged exposure to high volumes can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, or hyperacusis, a condition in which everyday sounds may seem unbearably loud and painful.
To address these concerns, parents should avoid exposing their children to excessive headphone use or bringing young children to noisy venues, such as concerts, sporting events, or fireworks displays without hearing protective measures. If they do attend these types of events, Reilly encourages parents to use protective earmuffs on children and infants or avoid unnecessary prolonged exposures close to the noise source.
Instill Healthy Habits
“When using a personal listening device, a child should be able to hear when spoken to and should be encouraged to take breaks from the device,” says Reilly.
Parents should also demonstrate responsible headphone use to show the importance of prioritizing hearing health.
“By instilling these healthy habits, parents can prioritize their child’s hearing health and help them understand its long-term importance,” he says.
Educational Opportunities
Parents have an opportunity to educate their children about the importance of protecting their hearing and making safe choices when it comes to recreational activities. By engaging in open and honest conversations about the risks associated with headphones, concerts, events, and noise machines, parents can empower their children to take responsibility for their hearing health and safety.
“By being aware of the potential dangers of hearing loss and taking proactive steps to address them, parents can help ensure that their children grow up healthy, happy, and thriving,” Reilly says.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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