Face The Music

According to the November 2009 issue of "Family Circle" magazine, 13% of children ages 6-19 already show signs of permanent noise induced hearing loss, says a new CDC report. Many experts blame the increased use of MP3 players. Below is sound advice from Ron Eavey, M.D., an ENT at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, on how your kid can keep their hearing safe.

1. Weigh In - Whenever you can hear what your child is listening to on the iPod, it's too loud. Develop a hand signal, like tapping your ear, to alert the music is too loud.

2. Take Control - Most MP3 players allow you to set a maximum volume limit. (For iPods, visit www.apple.com/sound ) If you can't tell get your child to keep it at 50% or less.

3. Change Headgear - Swap earbuds for earphones that cover the whole ear. Research shows that they block more outside noise, so kids are less likely to crank up the sound.

4. Limit Listening - Have your child play music through speakers when she's at home. Kids shouldn't have noise flowing directly into their ears for more than an hour a day.

5. Call a Doctor - If your child uses an MP3 player more than seven hours a week, take your child to an audiologist for a hearing evaluation. Find one at http://www.asha.org/ .