{"id":2129,"date":"2020-05-21T11:53:28","date_gmt":"2020-05-21T15:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.entofathens.com\/?p=2129"},"modified":"2020-05-27T19:15:14","modified_gmt":"2020-05-27T23:15:14","slug":"is-technology-destroying-our-hearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.entofathens.com\/is-technology-destroying-our-hearing\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Technology Destroying Our Hearing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While\ntechnology has helped us in so many areas, it may be putting our health at\nrisk. Specifically, technology may be having a serious impact on our hearing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Noise Harms Hearing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Loud noises can damage your hearing. Known as noise-induced hearing loss<\/a>, this occurs when sounds that are too loud damage the delicate hairs within your inner ear. Sounds are measured in decibels. Anything over 85 dB can cause damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loud Noises and Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As\ntechnology becomes more integrated into our lives, so does the increase in\nhearing loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the\nmajor culprits is the use of headphones. Louder and higher-quality headphones\ndeliver noise directly into your ears. Many listen to music in order to drown\nout the sounds of their surroundings, requiring their music to be even\nlouder.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the World Health Organization, almost one billion young people worldwide could be at risk of hearing loss due to unsafe listening practices<\/a>. Of those between the ages of 12-35, nearly 50 percent are exposed to unsafe levels of sound from the use of personal audio devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not\njust music that people are listening to at loud enough volumes to damage their\nhearing. Movies, television shows, podcasts and even YouTube videos can be\nstreamed directly from your cellphone into your headphones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology at Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our\nworkplaces are also changing. What used to be filled with offices and cubicles\nis now an open concept environment with minimal furniture. This lack of walls\nand fabric means sounds are not absorbed, instead they bounce around and\nintensify.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition\nto the aesthetic changes, how we work is different. Online meetings, webinars,\nvirtual trainings and even video calling is all part of our normal day-to-day.\nThe volume is often hard to control, especially if you are not the only one\nsitting in on a training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect Your Hearing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now more than ever it is important to protect your hearing<\/a>. Pay close attention to your volume, making sure to turn down your device to the lowest level you can still hear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\nthink you may have developed hearing loss caused by exposure to noise, your\naudiologist can help. Contact the experts at ENT of Athens today to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More About Hearing Health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n