Digital Generation Hearing Loss: Q&A With an ENT Expert

When the world is seamlessly integrated with digital connexity, headphones are a must-have accessory. Be it commuting, working from home, watching video games, or chilling out to your favorite music headphones are by your side all the time. But as useful as they are, headphones can be very dangerous for your hearing if not used correctly.

Noise-induced hearing loss is becoming an increasing concern among teens, young adults, and working professionals and ENT specialists are sounding the alarm bells on the issue. First off, headphone damage is cumulative and irreversible-gradual and permanent with prolonged and excessive use. Here's what you need to know and how to safeguard your ears in this digital age.

Headphone Pull: The Hidden Danger Of Headphones

Headphones pump sound directly into your ear canal, and at high volumes, they can do permanent damage to the delicate structures in your inner ear. The World Health Organization warns that unsafe listening practices most often through headphones put more than 1 billion young people at risk.

The risk increases based on:

Volume: Well over 85 decibels can cause damage over time.

Daunting: Foundation units allow for six hours of listening at a go.

Type of headphones: In-ear devices (like earbuds) are more damaging than over-ear headphones because they sit closer to the eardrum.

Advice on ear protection and lifestyle

Today, most modern ENT clinics in Sharjah employ the latest technology & procedures to treat people of all ages from children to the elderly safely & effectively.

The Signs You Might Have Damage to Your Hearing

Hearing loss from headphones carries with it a stealthy smog. Most people don’t know they have a problem until it’s far advanced. Look out for these early warning signs:

A sound that one hears in the ear but is not from an external source (Tinnitus)

Difficulty in differentiating speech in noise

In alternative where you have to max the volume on devices often

Hearing loss (full or partial)

A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears

If you are facing these types of symptoms, then you need to visit your nearest best ENT clinic in Sharjah for the diagnosis and treatment.

ENT-Approved Ways to Protect Your Hearing

The good news is that protecting your hearing doesn’t mean you have to ditch headphones. ENT specialists suggest adopting these smart listening habits:

Follow the 60/60 Rule

Never listen at more than 60% of maximum volume for longer than 60 minutes at a time.

Buy Noise Cancelling Headphones

They help muffle outside sounds so that you don’t have to turn up the volume, particularly in noisy places like public transport.

Instead of earbuds, opt for over-ear headphones

Over-ear headphones are especially safe since they don’t go directly into the ear canal.

Take Listening Breaks

Take a 5 to 10-minute break from sound exposure every hour.

Never Sleep with Headphones

As such, listening to music or white noise while you sleep can subject your ears to low-grade noise damage throughout the night.

When to Visit an Ear Nose Throat Clinic in Sharjah?

If you have persistent symptoms including ringing in the ears, muffled hearing, or ear pain, don’t dismiss them. The sooner you see an ear nose and throat doctor (ENT), the better your chances are of preserving your hearing.

What will you receive at a trusted ENT clinic in Sharjah:

A detailed hearing evaluation

Specialized audiometry and diagnostics

Personalized treatment plans

Fitting of hearing aids (if necessary)

Protect Your Hearing Health Starting Today

Headphones are a boon but hearing loss is not a condition that can easily be reversed. But if you follow some basic steps now, such as avoiding loud sound recordings, reducing the time you listen to audio recordings, and consulting a specialist in a good ENT clinic in Sharjah, can protect your ear health.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of hearing damage, don’t wait. With an ENT visit to a clinic in Sharjah at the right time, you'll be able to get things diagnosed earlier and preserve your hearing for many years to come.

File your ears so you can hear the sounds you love for a lifetime.