Potential Magazine March 2015 | Page 23

DID YOU KNOW? Average decibel ratings for familiar sounds: • Refrigerator humming - 45 decibels • Normal conversation - 60 decibels • Motorcycle - 95 decibels • MP3 player at max volume - 105 decibels • Sirens - 120 decibels Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Several products are available to protect the ears and reduce the risk of hearing loss. The challenge is getting teens to use them regularly. Here’s a few suggestions: VOLUME CONTROL: Most phones should allow you to adjust the maximum volume limit. iPhone users can adjust this by going under Settings, then selecting Music. Tap Volume Limit and pull the volume slider to the level desired. To lock the volume limit, go to Settings>General, then select Restrictions. Enable restrictions and create a four-digit password, then scroll to Volume Limit, tap that and change it to “Don’t Allow Changes.” That’s it! TUNE OUT THE NOISE: Noise-cancelling headphones help drown out other sounds in the environment that can make it harder to hear your music, so you won’t be tempted to turn up the volume. PLUG IN: Soft, foam earplugs are inexpensive but can make a big difference in protecting your ears in loud environments, such as concerts. Avoid standing near speakers in front of the stage at concerts and clubs, too. SHE SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED THE SAME PRANK ON HER MOTHER THREE TIMES IN A SINGLE DAY AND REMAINS CONFIDENT SHE COULD DO IT AGAIN. C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org CUSTOM-MADE: Musicians often use custom-fitted ear plugs or monitors to protect their hearing. If your teen plays in a band, consider having them fitted for a pair. They are well-worth the cost when it comes to protecting their hearing long-term. www.potentialmagazine.com PotentialMagazine_COA_HeadlineAd_Prank.indd 1 23 2/10/15 4:20 PM