Pediatrician Susan Wolford of the University of Michigan warns that frequent use of headphones (more than 2 hours a day) can lead to long-term hearing loss in children 5-12 years old. This is reported by gazeta.ru with reference to the University of Michigan (UMich).
A national survey conducted by K.S.Children's Hospital.Mott at the University of Michigan is sounding the alarm. 2/3 of children under 12 years of age already use personal audio devices. 50% of children listen to music and watch videos on headphones for at least an hour a day, and 16% of children use headphones for more than two hours daily.
Headphones are growing in popularity among young children, and so is the risk of long-term hearing problems. Pediatrician Susan Wolford explains that prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to hearing loss or tinnitus.
The expert emphasizes that young children are especially vulnerable because their auditory systems are still developing.
To preserve the child’s hearing, the pediatrician advised parents to purchase headphones with built-in volume limiters. And also follow the 60/60 rule: no more than 60 minutes a day with the volume no more than 60%.