Safeguard Your Hearing, Teens!
### Rock Music Can Cause Hearing Issues
A recent study discovered that 72% of teenagers at a rock concert experienced temporary hearing loss due to the loud music.
The research, conducted by the House Research Institute’s National Teen Hearing Loss Initiative, aimed to mimic a typical rock concert. They offered free tickets to teens, and the concert reached sound levels of 110 dBA over the duration of 26 songs, which lasted about three hours. The setup was designed to closely resemble the conditions of a real rock concert, using a similar noise level and timeframe.
Before the concert began, teenagers received information about hearing loss and the importance of protecting their ears in loud environments. Earplugs were provided, but only 3 out of 29 teens chose to use them.
The results showed that many teens felt discomfort and experienced slight hearing loss after the concert. This is concerning because they had been warned about the potential risks. The study highlights that teenagers often do not take the dangers of loud music seriously, which could lead to long-term hearing issues. Some typical signs of hearing loss include:
**Symptoms:**
– People might sound like they’re mumbling.
– You often turn the television volume up too high.
– You have difficulty hearing when someone calls you from another room or behind you.
– You need to watch people’s lips to understand what they’re saying.
– You struggle to hear in noisy environments like buses, streets, or parties.
– You can barely hear everyday sounds like doorbells or birds chirping.
**What To Do If You Have These Symptoms:**
If you notice any ongoing hearing loss, it’s crucial to see your doctor right away. It might not be a permanent issue and could be resolved easily, but ignoring it can make the problem worse. The study by the House Research Institute’s National Hearing Loss Initiative shows just how easily our hearing can be damaged, even from activities like attending a concert. It’s a reminder of how important it is to protect our ears.
