Computer and electronics giant Apple has responded to growing concerns over possible hearing damage done to phone-loving kids (and adults). In late March, Apple began providing free downloads of volume-control software for the iPhone and the ipad.
This program can be downloaded directly from the website and installed on the iPhone itself, meaning that a change of headphones won’t affect the program. Parents can specify a level of volume as the highest allowed, and then lock that level with a code. “This is a program that audiologists and doctors have pushed for a long time,” says Edina audiologist Michael Oscarson.
Concerns about hearing damage from portable music devices have been around as long as the Walkman. The invention of earbuds & AirPods, tiny pieces of plastic that go into the ear instead of on top of the ear, have only elevated those concerns. These headphones can deliver up to nine decibels more noise than traditional headphones.
While that may sound like a small number, it’s roughly the difference between the noise level of a vacuum clear and that of a motorcycle.
“Hearing loss is cumulative,” says Oscarson, and volume-loving kids “won’t see the effects for many years down the road.” He says that early warning signs of hearing loss include ringing in the ears after listening to any loud noise and a plugged feeling in the ears with a temporary loss of hearing. For more information, go to Apple.com/sound or call 1-888-999-3779 to find an audiologist in your area
