WHO provides safety guidelines based on daily noise exposure levels:

• Below 85 decibels (dB): Up to 8 hours per day

• 90 dB (e.g., a noisy restaurant): Up to 2 hours per day

• 100 dB (e.g., a concert): Up to 15 minutes per day

• Above 110 dB (e.g., nightclubs or headphones at maximum volume): Even a few minutes may cause hearing damage

In other words, the louder the sound, the shorter the time the ears can safely tolerate it. This is why teenagers are advised to follow the 60–60 rule: keep the volume below 60% of the maximum level and limit listening to no more than 60 minutes at a time.

How Can You Tell If the Volume Is Too Loud?

A simple rule is this: if people nearby can clearly hear sound leaking from your headphones, the volume is too loud. Additionally, if you are in a noisy environment and need to turn the volume up to the maximum just to hear clearly, it means the sound level has already exceeded a safe range.

Early Signs of Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss usually develops gradually and is difficult to notice in the early stages. Common warning signs include:

• Difficulty understanding speech in quiet environments

• Greater difficulty hearing conversations in noisy places such as restaurants or school hallways

• Temporary ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears (tinnitus)

• Needing others to repeat themselves several times to understand

If these symptoms occur, it may indicate that the ears have been overstimulated by excessive noise, and exposure to loud sounds should be reduced immediately.

Effects of Noise Beyond Hearing Loss

The impact of noise is not limited to hearing alone. It can also affect teenagers’ health and quality of life, including:

• Reduced concentration: Affecting learning and performance

• Poor sleep quality: Difficulty falling asleep or experiencing light sleep

• Emotional effects: Increased stress, irritability, and anxiety

• Social difficulties: Hearing loss may lead to frustration or discomfort in communication with others

How to Protect Teenagers’ Hearing

1. Follow the 60–60 rule: Keep volume below 60% and limit listening to 60 minutes per session.

2. Use noise-cancelling headphones to reduce the need for high volume in noisy environments.

3. Avoid staying in loud environments for long periods, such as concerts, pubs, or amusement parks.

4. Use earplugs when participating in loud activities.

5. Give your ears time to rest after prolonged listening.

6. Have regular hearing check-ups, and seek medical advice promptly if tinnitus or hearing difficulties occur.

Conclusion

Hearing loss is not like a common cold—it does not heal on its own with rest. For teenagers’ futures, protecting hearing is just as important as protecting eyesight. Good listening habits not only help prevent permanent damage but also allow us to enjoy a clear and beautiful world of sound.

To all teenagers: Music is wonderful, but it should be enjoyed in moderation. Do not let

temporary pleasure turn into lifelong regret. Starting today, taking better care of your ears

means giving yourself more choices and opportunities in the future.