Headphones and earbuds exposing kids to dangerous noise levels

By Isobel Williams via SWNS

Excessive use of headphones and earbuds is exposing young children to "dangerous" noise levels, warns new research.

It can result in long-term health issues including hearing loss and tinnitus, say health experts.

A survey of American parents suggests that personal audio devices can have a drastic impact on children’s sleep, academic learning, language, stress levels and even blood pressure.

The University of Michigan research revealed that two in three parents say their child ages five to 12 uses personal audio devices, with half of the parents of children ages five- to eight years old reporting their kids use a device.

Among parents whose children use headphones and earbuds, half say kids spend at least an hour a day using them while one in six say a typical day for their child includes at least two hours of use.

Children are most likely to use the devices at home, school and in the car, according to the findings.

Around one in four parents say their children also use audio devices on airplanes while less than 10 percent say kids use them on the bus, outside or in bed.

Half of parents agree that headphones or earbuds help keep their child entertained.

The research team warned of the dangers associated with prolonged or extreme exposure to high volumes of noise, which can result in long-term health issues, including hearing loss or tinnitus.

Co-director of the poll Dr. Susan Woolford said: “Over recent years we’ve mostly been concerned about teens overusing audio devices.

"But earbuds have become increasingly popular and prevalent among younger kids, exposing them to more intense noise on a regular basis.

“Noise exposure risks to young children have historically involved loud singular events like concerts or fireworks, but parents may underestimate the potential harm from excessive use of listening devices.

"It may be difficult to know whether their child’s exposure to noise is healthy.

“Young children are more vulnerable to potential harm from noise exposure because their auditory systems are still developing.

"Their ear canals are also smaller than adults, intensifying perceived sound levels.

“Tiny hair cells inside the inner ear pick up sound waves to help you hear. When these get damaged or die, hearing loss is irreversible.”

Despite this danger only half of parents share they’ve tried to limit their child’s audio device usage, citing strategies such as asking the child to take a break, having set hours for use and using a timer.

The team offers four tips to reduce the risks of noise exposure which are to monitor volume levels, use noise-cancelling headphones, ensure kids take breaks and be mindful of the signs of hearing loss.

Dr. Woolford recommends parents follow the "60/60" rule – children should be limited to no more than 60 minutes of audio devices a day at no more than 60 percent of the maximum volume.

She added: “A good way to tell if an audio device is too loud is if a child wearing headphones can’t hear you when you’re an arm’s length away.

“Early signs of hearing loss may include asking for repetition, hearing ringing noises often, speaking loudly to people nearby, delayed speech, or lack of reaction to loud noises.

“Healthcare providers may be of assistance to parents by offering a simple explanation about hearing loss to help the child understand the reasons for limiting their use of audio devices.”