iTechnoMax

They’re called the “iPod Generation” — all those kids wired to earbuds and MP3 players this holiday season as they hunker down to endure long road trips or relatives that visit even longer. But they’re at risk of becoming the “Huh? What?” Generation.

With the increasing popularity of MP3 players — and the loud, long listening habits of today’s youth — millions of children and teens are at a newfound risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Doctors here and around the country say they are seeing younger and younger patients with hearing loss symptoms that typically don’t occur before middle age. Many of them blame constant use of iPods and other players that blare music directly into ears.

“Once these things became portable and full-time usable, we really started noticing more noise-induced hearing loss problems in younger children,” said Dr. Robert Fifer, director of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Miami’s Mailman Center for Child Development.

At peak volume, iPods can hit close to 120 decibels — a level between a jackhammer and a jet engine. Hearing experts say 85 decibels — the sound of city traffic — is safe. An MP3 player’s range is usually 60 to 110 decibels. But too many people are going beyond the recommended limits, especially when they’re on the street or in crowded places and crank the volume to drown outside noise.

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