You’re probably no stranger to the fact that in the era of digital advancements, everything moves at a rapid pace. In other words, everything moves and transforms at the speed of technology. By now, you know how big of a role your smartphone plays in your life and for everyone in your family.
The landscape of communication, education and entertainment has changed forever, thanks to educational apps, social media platforms, and more. This is true for you, and your kids as well! But have you ever wondered how you might be putting your child’s (hearing) health at risk? Excessive screen time can have a negative impact on your child’s hearing. We spoke to Raja S, Audiologist, Founder and Managing Director, Hearzap, who explained the impact of smartphones on your kid's hearing and listed effective management tips.
The Allure of the Screen and the Risks to Ears
Mobile phones tend to get loud as music streaming apps, games, and even ringtones can reach volumes exceeding 110 decibels (dB). According to the WHO, safe listening levels fall under 85 dB for no more than eight hours a day. “Studies show that excessive exposure to loud sounds can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). The younger you get exposed, the higher the risk of hearing loss,” added Raja.
Also Read: Ear Health: Expert Lists 5 Easy Ways To Clean Hearing Aids
Challenges of a Connected Childhood
The constant presence of mobile phones creates several challenges for parents. Here are some of them, as listed by the expert:
- Habits Start Early: Children are exposed to mobile devices at increasingly younger ages. Toddlers captivated by colourful games and videos may not understand the potential risks of loud volumes.
- Earphones Everywhere: Earphones are a common sight, allowing children to listen to music or watch videos privately. However, this makes it difficult for parents to monitor volume levels.
- The FOMO Factor: The Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) can lead to children pushing listening limits to keep up with friends who listen to music at high volumes.
- Competing with Technology: Competing with the captivating world of mobile phones can be tough. Creating engaging screen-free activities requires creativity and effort from parents.
How To Protect Children's Hearing Health?
So, how can parents effectively navigate the challenges of mobile phone use and protect their children's hearing health in the digital age? Here are some expert-recommended strategies to consider:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establishing guidelines around screen time and volume levels is paramount. Encourage breaks from screen use and limit the duration of headphone or earbud use, especially at high volumes.
- Educate About Hearing Health: Take the time to educate your children about the importance of protecting their ears. Explain the potential consequences of excessive noise exposure and empower them to make informed choices about their use of personal audio devices.
- Parental Control is a must: Many smartphones and tablets offer parental control features that allow you to monitor and manage your child's screen time and app usage. Take advantage of these tools to enforce healthy digital habits and limit exposure to potentially harmful content.
- Encourage Safe Listening Practices: Teach your children how to use headphones or earbuds safely. Encourage them to use volume-limiting settings when available, take periodic breaks, and avoid prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Emphasise the importance of protecting their hearing now to prevent long-term consequences.
- Create Tech-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of your home, such as bedrooms or mealtime areas, as ‘tech-free’ zones. This encourages family interaction and reduces reliance on digital devices, fostering a healthier balance between screen time and other activities.
- Promote Alternative Activities: Encourage your children to engage in activities that don’t involve screens, such as outdoor play, reading, arts and crafts, or board games. Providing alternative sources of entertainment helps reduce dependence on digital devices and promotes overall well-being.
- Schedule Regular Ear Check-ups: Make it a priority to schedule regular check-ups with an audiologist to monitor your child’s hearing health. Early detection of any issues allows for timely intervention and precautions, ensuring optimal hearing for years to come.
Additional Tips
- Utilise parental controls on phones to manage content and usage time.
- Encourage participation in activities that don't involve screens, like sports, music, or arts and crafts.
- Create 'phone-free' family outings and activities.
Bottomline
Raja concluded, “The digital age presents unique challenges for parents, but with awareness and proactive strategies, we can ensure our children reap the benefits of technology while safeguarding their well-being, including their precious gift of hearing.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if your child is dealing with any health issue to get the necessary treatment.]