Question

Many people use earphones extensively these days. Find out the research studies that might have been done to understand the impact of excessive use of earphones on hearing (if any). Also, find out how hearing is tested and what are the decibel ranges for defining mild, moderate and severe hearing loss. What are the government schemes for purchasing or fitting of aids or appliances and free cochlear implants? Write an article on your findings.

Answer 1

Excessive earphone use is linked to noise-induced hearing loss. Research by WHO and other studies shows that listening at volumes above 85 dB for long periods damages the hair cells of the cochlea, putting about one billion young people at risk. Hearing is tested using pure-tone audiometry, which records the softest sounds a person can hear at different frequencies on an audiogram; OAE and ABR tests are used for infants. Hearing loss is classified in dB HL: mild 26–40, moderate 41–60, severe 61–80, and profound above 80. In India, the ADIP scheme provides financial assistance for purchasing hearing aids and appliances. Many states also provide free cochlear implants to eligible children through schemes such as RBSK, NHM, and NPPCD.