The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Teenagers risk losing their hearing if they do not restrict their listening to music from mobile devices to less than one hour a day, doctors have warned.
Medical experts from the World Health Organisation say the now popular devices among young people, coupled with noisy sports and entertainment events put over a billion youths at the risk of losing their hearing.
"As they go about their daily lives doing what they enjoy, more and more young people are placing themselves at risk of hearing loss," said Etienne Krug, of the WHO.
In a report to mark the International Ear Care Day, observed today, WHO wants the Government to strictly enforce the noise pollution laws which were enacted in 2009.
WHO recommends that the highest permissible level of noise exposure in the workplace is 85 decibels up to a maximum of eight hours per day. The law in Kenya limits the level of noise at entertainment places where there are also residential houses to 35 decibels at night.
The law also limits the amount of noise by touts, preachers, sporting events and even at the workplace, however, this is hardly enforced.
"The youth should be aware that once you lose your hearing, it won't come back. Taking simple preventive actions will allow people to continue to enjoy themselves without putting their hearing at risk," Dr Krug said in statement.
WHO advised young people to protect their hearing by keeping the volume down on personal audio devices, wearing earplugs when visiting noisy venues, and using carefully fitted, and, if possible, noise-cancelling earphones.
"They can also limit the time spent engaged in noisy activities by taking short listening breaks," Krug said.
Additionally they should heed the warning signs of hearing loss and get regular hearing check-ups. Exposure to loud sounds, said Krug, can result in temporary hearing loss or tinnitus which is a ringing sensation in the ear.
"When the exposure is particularly loud, regular or prolonged, it can lead to permanent damage of the ear's sensory cells, resulting in irreversible hearing loss," he said.
He warned especially against spending too much time at noisy entertainment joints, such as bars and nightclubs where continuous stay for over 15 minutes could be damaging to the ear.
join