Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In an increasingly connected world, the widespread use of earbuds and headphones has become a common sight, prompting concerns about their potential impact on hearing health. A recent video featuring a medical doctor and an ENT specialist from Columbia Asia Hospital Cheras sheds light on this issue, offering crucial insights and practical advice. Dr. Mohd Hazmi Bin Mohamed, a Consultant ENT, addressed key questions regarding the long-term effects of these devices. He highlighted that prolonged use, especially of earbuds, can increase the risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) due to their proximity to the eardrum. He cited research, including a Malaysian study from 2002 on call center operators, which found that over 20% of workers using headphones for more than seven continuous hours experienced hearing impairment. Beyond hearing loss, Dr. Hazmi warned about the risk of ear infections. He explained that earbuds can trap moisture in the ear canal, creating a damp environment conducive to fungal growth and inflammation. Symptoms of hearing damage or infection include tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or unconsciously speaking loudly. To mitigate these risks, Dr. Hazmi recommended the "60-60 rule": listen for a maximum of 60 minutes at no more than 60% of the maximum volume. He stressed that regardless of whether one uses headphones or earbuds, controlling the volume is paramount. The maximum recommended sound level for continuous listening over eight hours is 85 decibels. Users are encouraged to take regular breaks to protect their auditory health.
Selain untuk mendengar muzik, alat audio seperti earbud, earphone dan headphone kini turut menjadi aksesori fesyen popular dalam kalangan anak muda, …
