Study: Parents Clueless About Tech's Dangers to Teen Hearing

One in six teens has some degree of preventable hearing loss, but few parents warn their kids to turn down their iPods or avoid other sources of excessive noise, new research finds.

"High-frequency hearing loss, which is typically noise related, has increased among U.S. adolescents," said study researcher Dr. Deepa Sekhar, assistant professor of pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine.

Yet Sekhar's poll of about 700 parents found that the overwhelming majority -- more than 96 percent -- believed their teen was not at risk or only slightly at risk of developing hearing problems from too much noise. More than two-thirds said they hadn't talked to their teen about noise hazards because of that perceived low threat.

Personal music devices and concerts are a common cause of noise overdose, as is lawn-mowing, especially when listening to music at the same time, she said. Shop class and sporting events also can be extremely noisy, she said.

Whereas 13 percent of teens exhibited high-frequency hearing loss in the early 1990s, that figure had passed 16 percent by 2006, according to background information Sekhar provided.

The study, which involved parents with teens aged 13 to 17 years old, was published online Nov. 21 in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery. It was funded by a grant from the Children's Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that draws attention to children's health issues.

Sounds above 85 decibels can cause permanent hearing loss, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Some MP3 players can reach 110 decibels, while lawn mowers can hit 106.

Sekhar said she doesn't expect music-loving teens to give up this cherished pastime. Instead, she wants to raise awareness among parents that hearing protection is essential.

Source: HealthDay
http://consumer.healthday.com/kids-health-information-23/adolescents-and-teen-health-news-719/parents-clueless-about-ipod-noise-hazards-study-finds-682386.html