Action to take Consult your pediatrician, who will examine the child to determine whether he needs treatment. Preventing injury from headphones Children and teenagers often prefer to listen to music through headphones linked to a radio, stereo, or portable tape player. Kept at a volume similar to normal speech, headphones may do no harm. But if youngsters turn up the volume to block out external noise, they subject their ears to an assault that can cause permanent hearing loss. If others in the room can hear sound while the child is wearing headphones, the volume is at an unsafe level and should be turned down.
Some experts believe there is no safe way to use headphones.
They contend that one of the best ways to protect the hearing is not to use headphones at all. Never allow your child to wear a portable headset while walking, skating, or cycling. Not only does it block out warning noises, but the risk is all the greater because the youngster concentrates on the music and is not alert to traffic and other potentially dangerous situations. Always call your pediatrician if your child complains of ear pain. Left untreated, infections of the ears can cause permanent hearing loss.