A billion at risk for hearing loss from exposure to loud music

"Hey dude -- can you turn your music down?" If anyone says this to you while you're wearing your ear buds, take note: You are probably endangering your hearing. More than one billion teens and young adults are at risk of losing their hearing, according to WHO (that's the World Health Organization, not the rock band).It's not just old folks who suffer hearing loss. Just by listening to music at what you probably think is a normal level, or hanging out in loud bars, nightclubs and music and sporting events, you can permanently damage your hearing.

By analyzing listening habits of 12- to 35-year-old in wealthier countries around the world, WHO found nearly 50% of those studied listen to unsafe sound levels on personal audio devices and about 40% are exposed to damaging levels of music and noise at entertainment venues. It doesn't take much time to damage your hearing at a sports bar or nightclub. According to the WHO, "exposure to noise levels of 100 dB, which is typical in such venues, is safe for no more than 15 minutes."

I feel like this is a serious issue and the people shouldn't be listening to such loud music. You can’t get your hearing back. Once you lose your hearing, it won't come back.In the end, it's up to each of us to protect our own hearing. The good news is that it's easy to do. When it comes to your personal audio devices, such as your smartphone:-- Turn the volume down. Don't go above 60%.-- Wear noise canceling ear buds, or better yet, headphones.-- Take "listening breaks" or only listen for just an hour a day-- Get an app for that. Download a smartphone app to help monitor safe listening levels.

Discussion Questions:

1. What should we do to control the sound of the music and to help the people that keep losing their hearing?
2. How can we limit the noise?