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Cell Phones May Cause Hearing Loss
Week of February 4 - Spend an hour or more a day on your cell phone? Many do. But now according to a new study—years of that much talk time could cost you. Dr. David Winter explains in tonight’s HealthSource report.
DR. WINTER
Always on your cell? According to some new research-- too much talking may leave your ears ringing.
DR. KEVIN LUNDE
Otolaryngologist
Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano
“The study showed that people who used cell phones for more than an hour a day after four years had a 25-decibel hearing loss at high frequencies.”
DR. WINTER
It’s probably not even noticeable to most—but experts say that kind of hearing loss repeated through the years could be significant.
DR. KEVIN LUNDE
“It can slowly add up over time and start to affect our ability to listen and communicate with others.”
DR. WINTER
What researchers suspect may be even worse than an hour a day on your cell, is an hour a day on your cell using a hands-free device—like this earbud.
DR. KEVIN LUNDE
“Could the fact that the sound is generated closer to your ear put you at more risk?”
DR. WINTER
Experts warn-- probably. So what’s the answer?
DR. WINTER
There’s no need to give up your accessibility yet. Most agree this research is preliminary and more studies are needed. But in the meantime…
DR. KEVIN LUNDE
“My precaution would be to use any of these devices at the lowest possible setting.”
DR. WINTER
So how do you know if your cell phone, iPod or other device is set too loud? Use this rule to check. You should be able to hear someone talking to you from an arms length away while you are using your device. If you can’t—you need to turn it down. And make sure your kids’ cell phones and iPods aren’t too loud either. They are especially at risk for hearing loss later in life from these devices.
ANCHOR TAG
How do we know if we’re starting to suffer some hearing loss? Are there symptoms?
DR. WINTER
Yes, and doctors are saying now they’re seeing younger and younger folks with these symptoms. They can include ringing in the ears, a feeling of fullness in the ears and difficulty in making out what others are saying.