You may use an MP3 player on a regular basis, but after reading the following hearing loss statistics, you may want to turn down the volume. Hearing loss is a serious and prevalent issue in American society, in fact, 1 in 5 Americans suffers from some hearing loss.
Shocking Hearing Loss Statistics
Take a look at the following facts and numbers:
- Between 2000 and 2015, the number of hearing loss sufferers in the US doubled.
- Hearing loss is the most common health problem in the whole world
- More than 30 million under 65s suffer from hearing loss in the US
- 1 out of every 6 baby boomers is suffering from hearing loss
- 1 in 14 generation X-ers suffers from hearing loss
- 1.4 million kids suffer from hearing loss
MP3 Players and Hearing Loss
Hearing experts fear that these hearing loss statistics are about to get a whole lot worse because of the use of MP3 players. Seeing as the noise is isolated to the headphones, the sound hits the ear in a much stronger wave. What’s more, nobody tells you to turn down the music, so you’re more likely to exceed healthy volume levels.
And, that’s not the only problem. People get used to high volume levels which is bad news for the fine hairs in your inner ear. In addition, prolonged use of headphones, even at an 85-decibel setting can cause hearing loss.
Final Thoughts
Think of a lawnmower, it comes in at about 85 decibels. If you listen to music at a higher volume level than that, all your ears can take is 15 minutes before they start to get damaged.
And, if you’re listening to your MP3 player all day, your hearing will deteriorate even if you don’t turn up the volume above 85 decibels.
