Earphones, therapeutic at the cost of hearing loss?

SHAH ALAM - In the modern day, most people realise that prolonged earphones usage at high volumes can lead to hearing loss.

However, the warnings were usually taken lightly because music or even sound therapy served as an escape from the hustling noises of work or background noise.

An avid user of earphones, Jesika Berlika Simatupang, 25, said that she frequently used them because it helps her from feeling depressed.

She said listening to music at high volumes keeps her calm during her free time and prevented negative thoughts from appearing.

"I am aware that constant exposure to loud recreational sounds could potentially damage my hearing.

"However, as we know music helps those who have some form of depression, I personally do it even though there are risks for my hearing in the future," she told Sinar Harian on Wednesday.

Jesika also said public transport or outside noises made her feel uneasy, prompting her to use earphones more.

"I commute using public transport daily, and I am uncomfortable with the background noise around me, which makes me lean towards listening to music loudly," she said.

On Tuesday, Sinar Harian reported the usage of earphones as one of the leading causes of hearing loss in teenagers and adults.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Science Faculty Head of Audiology Program Dr Wan Syafira Ishak said frequent exposure to sounds over 80 decibels (dB) could cause hearing loss in stages.

A Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia student Ahmad Afiq Othman, 23, admitted to having minor hearing problems due to prolonged usage of earphones at high volume.

"I always use them when watching movies, playing games. Most of the time I would increase the volume to hear clearly and drown any external sound," he said.

A public university student Arifah Aqilah Muhammad Arifin, 24, said she often used her ear pods while doing tasks at home or university.

"It's something to lift up my spirits, I use it at higher volumes so it doesn't mix with the outside noise," she said.Use in Moderation

International Islamic University Malaysia student Muhammad Nasrul Aimin, 23, advised that youths should be more aware of how this could potentially affect them as they get older.

"I know the usage of earphones in teenagers is among the cause of hearing problems as we like to listen to music and play video games beyond what is recommended limits.

"I love using my ear pods because it gives me a much nicer experience with a clearer sound, I am fine with listening to it on a lower volume," he said.

Meanwhile, Social Media Executive Fazlan Kamaruzaman, 26, said he did not know the excessive usage of ear pods could potentially cause hearing loss.

He uses it constantly and said this should be more awareness should be made to prevent users from affecting themselves in the future.

"I am not aware of the effects of this on our hearing. I've always used ear pods even when I sleep. However, now that I know, I will try to reduce using it as often," he said.