American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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New Survey: More than Half of High School Students Report Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Audiologists Say Users of Portable Music Players and Other Popular Technology Listen to Devices Too Long at High Volumes

(Rockville, MD - March 14, 2006) More than half of high school students report having at least one symptom of hearing loss according to a new survey being released today by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The survey, which examined the use of new popular music devices like MP3 players and iPods, gauged public awareness on noise-induced hearing loss. Experts say users of portable music players and other popular technology listen to the devices too long at high volumes, a prescription for noise-induced hearing loss that occurs gradually over time, and is not often noticed until too late. Nearly 10 Million Americans experience hearing loss as a result of noise exposure and by 2009, 945 million audio players are expected to have been shipped worldwide.

Key Survey Findings

High school students are more likely than adults to report having experienced the following three of four symptoms of hearing loss:

  • 28% turn up the volume on their tv or music player (26% of adults)
  • 29% say "what" or "huh" during normal conversation (21% of adults)
  • 17% have tinnitus or ringing in the ears (12% of adults)

Listening to loud music could cause hearing loss or tinnitus (a perception of sound in ears when no external source is present) or non-auditory problems including biological (increased blood pressure; ulcers), sleep disturbance, distraction or annoyance, and learning problems. Two-fifths of students and adults play the volume loud, with students twice as likely as adults to play music very loud (13% to 6%) Adults are more likely than students to use their MP3 players for longer periods of time; 43% of adults use them for 1-4 hours or longer (9%) compared to fewer than one-third of students.

Advice From Audiologists

  • Keep the volume down
  • Limit the time listening to player
  • Custom molded ear sleeves are available for some of these products
  • Sound isolating earphones are available at music stores and elsewhere
  • Consider upgrading your earbuds to sound isolating earphones

Societal Solution

  • Health experts and manufacturers working together for consumer safety
  • Increased public education
  • Strong prevention message especially to young children
  • For more information visit www.asha.org

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