Teenagers warned iPods can cause hearing loss

Teenagers are being warned to turn down the volume on personal listening devices like iPods because prolonged exposure to loud music can cause lasting hearing loss.

"With all the affordable devices and digital media allowing us to download music and listen to it wherever we are, the risk of damage from listening to music louder than safe is a reality," said audiologist Mark Hansen.

According to a2010 studypublished in the Journal of the American Medical Association, hearing loss in U.S. adolescents increased by about 30 per cent between 1998 and 2006.

Vitali Charanin, who developed hearing loss in his teens when a firecracker exploded near his ear, was unaware that consistent sound exposure for a certain time amount could be harmful.

"I would have heeded the warnings if they were made relevant to me," said Charanin.

"Even with all the technology available in todays world, you cannot completely repair damage to your ears you will have to live with the consequences for the rest of your life."

Teens and loud music 'go hand in hand'

UBC professor and psychologist Lawrence Ward says teens often don't realize how dangerous listening to loud music can be.

"They are only thinking about how good it feels right now," said UBC professor and psychologist Lawrence Ward.

Grade 10 student Danilo Veljovicregularly listens to loud music, sayinghe doesn't feel the song the same way if it isn't loud enough.

"I can hear just fine as I did five years ago,"Veljovic said.

Audiologist Laurie Usher says teens can take steps to prevent hearing lossand it all starts with education.

"It is important for us to get the message out that the process of permanent hearing loss from music can be halted with changes in their listening habits," she said.

"When this generation of teens hits middle age, the hearing aid manufacturers will be very busy and quiet listening environments will be in more demand."

Teens are advised to use speakers instead of earbuds whenever possible, listen at 85 decibels or lower and turn music off every hour to give their ears a break.

But Hansen said all the warnings in the world won't convince teens to stop listening to loud music.

"I'm sure all teens will listen to loud musicthey go hand in hand," he said.