What is the 66 hearing theory?

Are you at high risk of hearing loss from entertainment media?

“I was obsessed with gaming and got used to the noise. I didn’t realize it could damage my hearing,” said a former esports athlete and Digibionic customer. At the age of 20, he spent long hours in a noisy internet café, wearing headphones to block out noise while communicating with his teammates. Over time, he began having trouble hearing what others were saying during meetings. This continued for almost a year before he sought medical help, but the hearing loss was irreversible, affecting his speech accent. Afterward, he started using hearing aids and began relearning languages.

Using headphones to block out traffic noise can damage your hearing.

In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that more than half of teenagers engage in unsafe headphone use. In addition to heavy reliance on mobile phones and tablets, frequent exposure to loud environments such as nightclubs, bars, karaoke venues, and sports events has increased the risk of hearing loss among adolescents in recent years. According to audiologists from the Department of Otolaryngology, in the past, aside from congenital factors, the main causes of hearing loss were mostly related to illness, accidents, and work-related injuries.

Use headphones at <60% volume for listening sessions of less than 60 minutes.

Audiologists, who have long been concerned about hearing loss issues, conducted an online survey titled “Headphone Usage Behavior 2020.” The survey found that over half of respondents automatically increase their headphone volume in noisy environments, placing them at high risk of “recreational hearing loss” after prolonged use. The foundation strongly promotes the “66 Listening Rule,” recommending headphone volume be kept below 60% and listening sessions under 60 minutes. Audiologists also emphasize that hearing loss is irreversible and advise that individuals frequently exposed to loud environments and regular headphone use should have their hearing tested every 2–3 years.

Thirty percent of people use headphones without taking breaks, and some even wear them while sleeping.

According to a survey by an audiologist, 92% of respondents regularly use headphones, and about 44% use them for more than one hour at a time. Thirty percent do not take breaks at all, and some even wear headphones while sleeping. Doing so can negatively affect your hearing.

Audiologists warn that noise-canceling headphones can help prevent overuse in loud environments. If you find it increasingly difficult to communicate with others, have to speak louder, ask people to repeat themselves, or experience persistent ear ringing or unusual sounds for more than a week, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Let people experience the beauty of hearing aids and hear the sounds of their family’s love once again.
If you wish to share that love with Digibionic, please contact us…

Professional Consultation by Hearing Specialists

Call to schedule a service appointment at 02-115-0568

Expert consultation services are provided to help reduce behaviors that risk hearing loss and to ensure proper ear care. Anyone interested in a hearing test or hearing aids can contact Digibionic, with services available at all branches.

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