Alka Yagnik, the well-known playback singer, was recently diagnosed with an uncommon illness of hearing loss caused by a viral infection. The singer had issued a warning against listening to “very loud music and headphones” after disclosing her illness on social media.
“I would add a word of caution regarding exposure to very loud music and headphones. One day, I wish to share the health perils of my professional life” stated Alka in her writing.
The lead specialist in the ENT department of the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, Dr. Deepti Sinha, claims that using earphones for extended periods of time, especially at loud volumes, can eventually cause hearing impairment. In order to preserve the health of your hearing, you must adopt safe listening practices.
She clarified that excessive volume listening to music or other audio material can harm the inner ear’s hair cells, which are essential for hearing. “These cells do not regenerate once they are damaged, resulting in permanent hearing loss.”
Senior ENT physician at HearClear and Max Hospital Dr. Sanjay Sachdeva advised limiting exposure time to sounds more than 85 dB. If someone is listening to loud noises (such as music, concerts, exercise classes, etc.), they should take frequent breaks. Giving the ear the time it needs to heal after being exposed to loud noises is crucial, he stated in a conversation.
Drs. Sinha and Sachdeva suggested reducing exposure to loud noises by adhering to the 60/60 rule. He stated, “This is based on the principle of 60 minutes of noise exposure at 60 dB, followed by a little rest to rejuvenate inner ear hygiene.”
