Protecting Young Ears: The 60-60 Rule for Safer Listening

In today's digital age, personal audio devices like smart-phones, tablets, and MP3 players have become an integral part of daily life, especially for young people.

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However, with the convenience of music and podcasts at their fingertips, a growing health concern is emerging: hearing loss due to unsafe listening habits.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of hearing loss from unsafe sound levels. Alarmingly, close to half of individuals aged 12 to 35 in middleand high-income countries are regularly exposed to unsafe volumes from their personal audio devices.

Dr Rambabu Consultant ENT Surgeon Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills warn that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause irreversible damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear. To combat this silent threat, health authorities are promoting a simple yet effective guideline known as the 60-60 rule for safer listening.

The 60-60 rule advises listeners to :

+ Keep the volume at no more than 60% of the maximum setting.

+ Limit listening time to no more than 60 minutes at a stretch before taking a break.