Once considered only an issue for the middle-aged and elderly, tinnitus – a ringing in the ears – has increased dramatically among young music lovers in the last two years according to top audiologist Dr Tony Kay, reports the Daily Mail.
Hearing loss has become so common among young people, doctors have dubbed the phenomenon ‘iPod-it is.’ Typically, young people are listening to their music at high volumes for long periods of time without realizing the irreparable damage they are doing to their hearing.
Often "iPod-itis" sufferers use their personal music players daily, and increase the volume, particularly on commuter trains, to drown out background noise.
Also, noise levels in clubs can hit around 100 decibels and anything higher than 85 can cause serious damage – so earplugs are recommended. If not properly treated, tinnitus can lead to deafness later. With the newest personal music players, this may affect many people down the road, and at a much earlier age than usual.