Global Health Asia-Pacific Issue 1 | 2023 GHT64B | Page 69

Usually , if you listen at 60 percent of the maximum volume , “ you can safely listen all day ”
while using headphones , “ there ’ s an easy rule of thumb ,” he said . “ It ’ s called 80 for 90 — you can safely listen at 80 percent of the max volume for a total of 90 minutes a day .” You can listen for longer stretches of time if the volume is lower while the opposite is true with higher volume . Usually , if you listen at 60 percent of the maximum volume , “ you can safely listen all day every day .”
But Dr Daniel Fink , an internist and board chair of The �uiet Coalition , a nonprofit aiming to reduce the effects of noise on health , told the New York Times that headphone use was often unsafe because people tended to turn up the volume to a dangerous degree to cover noise from the environment . Rather than amping up the volume , he recommends devices that block background noise .
“ Listen at the lowest level possible that allows you to hear the content that you want to listen to ,” he said . “ If it sounds loud , it ’ s too loud .”
There ’ s hope for people with hearing loss Though most hearing loss is irreversible , the WHO report stresses that regular rehabilitation can improve both function and quality of life .
Hearing aids and implants are one important component of rehabilitation . These devices can usually address mild and moderate hearing loss by helping people to improve their listening ability .
Auditory training and other measures can teach people how to make the most of their residual hearing , while counselling and instructions will teach the appropriate use of hearing technologies .
The use of sign language or speech reading can also be useful for people with hearing loss , as shown in this one case study cited in the report .
Orianda Martin was abused by members of his community in Kumi District , Eastern Uganda because of miseducation about his deafness and his struggle to communicate . By learning to communicate with sign language and touch communication , though , he managed to obtain a degree in farming and weaving in Kenya . Upon his return to Uganda , his community welcomed him and celebrated his achievement while recognising it misunderstood his condition .
A leader from Deaf Link Uganda , an organisation that helped Orianda pursue his education , said : “ Deaf people can do all the things you can do , and must be included .” n
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