Noise Editorial

We say it, our parents said it, and their parents said it too. “Turn it down or you’ll go deaf.” As it turns out, there is some truth in that warning. Noise is one of the leading causes of hearing loss in the United States and is occurring at younger and younger ages, according to recent research. Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) among children should be taken seriously due to its impact on speech, language, cognitive, social and emotional development. While many types of hearing loss cannot be prevented, hearing loss due to noise exposure can.

In this day and age, noise is everywhere- from the stereo in the car, to TV video games, to the marching band, to the i-pods® in our kid’s ears, to the toy music box in their crib. A study by the New York League for the Hard of Hearing (1998) found that 46% of third graders reported that their ears ring sometimes (a symptom of too much noise) and much has been published recently about the possible hearing loss caused by personal stereo systems, like i-pod and MP3 players. In some countries, manufacturers have been required to place warning labels on the packing and sound limiting devices on the systems themselves.

Bands, orchestras, and drum lines have become a staple in every middle and high school in this country. A study conducted in 1990 by Judy Montgomery found that 26% of high school seniors who played in the band had measurable hearing loss compared to 13% that did not. Certain musical instruments can exceed 126dBA. At that level, recommended “safe” listening time would be roughly 5-10 minutes.

So, how loud is too loud? There are two important factors that contribute to NIHL: how long you will be exposed, and how loud is the sound. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has set limits for the workplace, but regulations do not exist for recreational exposure. Here are some warning signs that it may be too loud:

1. If you have to shout in order to be heard from three feet away, the noise is too loud and may damage your hearing.
2. If you notice a ringing or buzzing in your ears after noise exposure.
3. If you notice a muffling of sounds or difficulty understanding speech.

Here are some simple steps to consider when it comes to noise protection:

1. When listening with headphones, if someone else can hear the music, it is too loud. A good rule of thumb is never more than half the volume available for no more than an hour at a time.
2. Wear hearing protection whenever possible. Think about it when mowing the lawn, attending a concert, or at band practice. Custom fit noise plugs are easy to make.
3. Try and reduce the amount of time spent in the noisy activity.
4. Listen to your child’s toy before you buy it. If it hurts your ears, don’t buy it.
5. Make time every day for quiet time with your children. Turn off the TV, music, video games and read a book. www.columbusspeech.org.