One billion young people could lose hearing from loud music

On the occasion of World Hearing Day, which takes place every March 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published a new standard for safe listening with the aim of tackling the growing threat of hearing loss in the world. It includes recommendations regarding how sound limits should be in places and entertainment events to avoid hearing damage.

And it is that, more than one billion young people between 12 and 34 years are at risk of hearing loss as a result of prolonged exposure to loud music and other recreational sounds. This hearing damage, as explained by the WHO, can have serious consequences on physical and mental health, as well as on education and employment.

This year, World Hearing Day 2022 has as its motto To hear for life, listen carefully! Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, Director of the WHO Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, explained that “millions of adolescents and young people are at risk of hearing loss due to the inappropriate use of personal audio devices and exposure to high sound levels. harmful in places such as nightclubs, bars, concerts and sporting events.

And he adds that this risk can be intensified because most audio devices, events and entertainment venues do not have safe listening options, which contributes to hearing degradation.

WHO recommendations to take care of hearing health

To avoid this, the WHO has released six recommendations to safeguard hearing in entertainment venues and events without losing sound quality or diminishing the nature of the experience. These tips are:

• An average sound level that does not exceed 100 decibels.
• Carry out a record and constant monitoring of sound levels with equipment calibrated by personnel in charge.
• Optimization of the acoustics and sound systems of the space, in order to guarantee a pleasant sound quality but also that it is safe.
• Delivery to the public of personal hearing protection, in addition to its corresponding instructions for use.
• Access to quiet areas where the ears can rest and reduce the risk of hearing damage.
• Train workers and distribute noise information among them.

Regarding the advice launched by the WHO at a personal level to avoid temporary hearing loss, tinnitus or the total cessation of hearing, it is indicated that it is necessary to:

• Keep the volume low on personal audio devices.
• Use well-fitting headphones or earphones and, if possible, with noise cancellation.
• Wear earplugs in noisy places.
• Get regular hearing exams.

“Governments, civil society and private sector entities, such as manufacturers of personal audio devices, sound systems and video game equipment, as well as the owners and managers of entertainment venues and events, have an important role to play. meet in promoting the new global standard. We must work together to promote safe listening practices, especially among young people, concluded Dr. Ren Minghui, WHO Assistant Director-General.