Earphones on for hours? Docs warn of hearing loss

Earphones on for hours? Docs warn of hearing loss

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai: 23.11.2020 

Complaints of ear pain, infection and irritation have almost doubled over the past eight months in the city, say doctors. As more people are locked indoors, glued to computers and gadgets, they have also begun to overuse earphones.

Over the past months, doctors have been getting at least four complaints a day. And every time there’s an inquiry or a visit, the first question the doctors usually ask patient is how long they use earphones in a day.

Dr Thirunavukkarasu S, senior consultant - pediatric ENT and airway surgeon, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, said people often suspect that pain or infection in the ears is caused because of the entry of water. “But then I explain to them that the ear is self-cleaning. And tell them that by using earbuds or earphones for long hours the ear wax is pushed further inside leaving no space for it to come out. This causes pain.”

As classes have also moved online, several children are keep earphones on. They watch serials, movies gadgets and listen to loud music for more than 15 hours a day, without a break. This can cause noise-induced hearing problems.

Doctors said persistent use and blasting loud music can damage hair cells which help in transmitting sound waves to the inner ear. And once these cells are damaged it cannot regenerate and the person will end up having a permanent hearing problem and depend on hearing aids or implants.

“Sound levels beyond 60 decibels and prolonged hearing for over eight hours can be damaging,” said Dr Paneerselvam V R, senior consultant, ENT neurotologist, Promed Hospital.

Conversations in online classes reach a decibel level of 60 but can touch 80 to100 decibels when volume is increased to the maximum on earphones.

Dr Paneerselvam said those who have hearing problems must be more cautious and avoid listening to loud music for long hours.

Doctors advised people against using earbuds to remove the wax since ears are self-cleaning and using the buds could cause earaches.

Asked about the prevention of ear infections, doctors suggested using headphones instead of earphones because these provide a buffering space between the speaker and the ear canal. Listening to songs in open spaces can also help prevent ear pain. And after every hour or two a 15-minute break is a must.

People must also watch out for indicators such as a constant need to crack up the volume or hearing buzzing sounds as these are symptoms of loss of hearing. “If they experience any of this, they must consult a doctor,” said Dr Thirunavukkarasu.

Sound levels beyond 60 decibels and prolonged hearing for over eight hours can be damaging

Dr Paneerselvam V R |

SENIOR CONSULTANT, ENT NEUROTOLOGIST