In this exclusive interview, Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath of MedBound Times speaks with Dr. Aditi Sinha, a highly experienced ENT–Head & Neck Surgeon based in Mumbai.
She has over a decade of clinical experience across leading hospitals in Mumbai including Jaslok Hospital & Research Center, K B Bhabha Municipal Hospital, P D Hinduja Hospital(under Padmashri Dr. Milind Kirtane), Masina Hospital Trust, and Inlaks General Hospital.
She obtained her MBBS degree from BYL Nair Hospital and T.N.Medical College, Mumbai and completed her DNB (Otorhinolaryngology) at Jaslok Hospital under the guidance of Padma Shri Dr. Sandra Desa Souza. Her DNB thesis focused on paediatric cochlear implantees.
In addition to providing excellent clinical care, Dr. Sinha is known for her patient counseling and communication skills reflected in her high word-of-mouth referrals, strong patient retention and satisfaction and a patient base that consists of several C-suite executives.
She has an active online, social media and offline media presence, frequently contributing health-related content and articles. She is a strong believer in digital health and AI driven health care platforms being an early adopter of technology in her clinical practice. She engages closely with digital health start-ups advising them on go-to-market and clinician/hospital partnerships.
She has also been active socially, working closely with deaf & mute children, helping organize several health-check up and vaccination camps, driving outpatient consultations for Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) and other similar organizations.
Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath: Greetings Doctor, Could you please tell our readers about yourself ?
Dr. Aditi Sinha: Hello, I’m Dr. Aditi Sinha, an ENT–Head & Neck Surgeon practicing in Mumbai with over 10 years of clinical experience. I completed my MBBS from BYL Nair Hospital and TN Medical College and went on to pursue my DNB in Otorhinolaryngology at Jaslok Hospital under the guidance of Padma Shri Dr. Sandra Desa Souza. My areas of interest include pediatric ENT care, cochlear implants, and digital health innovation. Alongside my clinical practice, I actively engage in public health outreach and collaborate with healthcare startups to improve access and patient outcomes through technology.
Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath: Are children’s ears more vulnerable to noise-induced damage compared to adults?
Dr. Aditi Sinha: Yes, children's ears are generally more susceptible to noise-induced damage than adults. This is because children's auditory systems are still developing and their ear canals are smaller which can amplify sounds more. They also have less control over their environment and exposure to loud noises, making them more prone to prolonged exposure.
Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath: How does prolonged headphone use affect auditory development in early childhood?
Dr. Aditi Sinha:
Prolonged and excessive headphone use in early childhood can negatively impact auditory development, potentially leading to noise-induced hearing loss, difficulties in speech & language development, and challenges in processing auditory information.
Children's ear canals are smaller than adults', making them more sensitive to sound pressure.
Their auditory pathways are still developing, making them more vulnerable to the damaging effects of noise.
About 1 in 5 teenagers will experience some form of hearing damage, which is about 30% higher than it was 20 years ago.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL):
High-volume headphone use, even for relatively short periods, can damage the delicate hair cells, (which are still developing) in the inner ear, which are crucial for hearing. These hair cells don't regenerate, and damage can be permanent, leading to NIHL.
Impact on Speech and Language Development:
Even mild hearing loss in early childhood can hinder the development of speech and language skills, making it harder for children to understand and produce sounds correctly.
Auditory Processing Issues:
Prolonged headphone use can affect a child's ability to focus on specific sounds in noisy environments, making it difficult to follow conversations, understand instructions, or distinguish between different sounds. This can lead to difficulties in school and social situations.
Other Potential Issues:
Besides hearing loss, excessive headphone use can also contribute to earwax buildup, ear infections, and even tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath: Can early exposure to loud sounds cause permanent hearing changes later in life?
Dr. Aditi Sinha:
Yes, early exposure to loud sounds can lead to permanent hearing changes later in life. This damage is often referred to as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and it can result from prolonged or intense exposure to loud noises.
Loud noises can damage the tiny hair cells in the cochlea, which are essential for hearing. These hair cells do not regenerate, meaning the damage is permanent.
While some temporary hearing changes may resolve after the noise exposure stops, repeated or intense exposure can cause permanent damage to the delicate structures of the inner ear, leading to irreversible hearing loss.
Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath: What is the maximum safe listening duration and volume for children and teens?
Dr. Aditi Sinha: For children and teens, it's crucial to prioritize safe listening habits to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Limit listening time, especially at higher volumes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children listen at no higher than 75 decibels for no more than 40 hours a week.
70 dB or lower: Considered safe for extended periods.
85 dB: Safe for up to 8 hours, but with every 3 dB increase, safe listening time is halved.
60/60 rule: Listen at 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time, followed by a break.
Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath: Is there an ideal age to start allowing regular headphone use?
Dr. Aditi Sinha: There isn't a specific, universally recommended age to start regular headphone use, but experts generally advise caution for children under the age of two due to their developing auditory systems. For older children, it's crucial to monitor volume and listening duration to prevent potential hearing damage.
Broadly :
Infants and Toddlers (Under 2):
It's best to avoid headphones or earbuds for this age group.
Their ear canals are still developing, and their auditory systems are more susceptible to damage from loud noises.
Preschoolers and Young Children (3-9):
If introducing headphones, choose models designed for children with built-in volume limiting features.
Keep the volume at or below 85 dB and monitor listening time.
Older Children and Teens:
They can typically handle headphones and earbuds, but it's still vital to emphasize responsible listening habits.
Encourage them to keep the volume at a comfortable level, take breaks during extended listening sessions, and be aware of the potential risks of noise-induced hearing loss.
Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath: Are certain types of headphones safer for children (e.g., volume-limiting headphones)?
Dr. Aditi Sinha:
Yes, volume-limiting headphones are generally considered safer for children because they cap the maximum sound output, protecting their developing ears from potentially damaging loud volumes.
Over-ear or on-ear headphones are also recommended over earbuds for younger children due to their design and potential for reduced risk of ear infections and damage.
Volume-limiting headphones prevent children from accidentally or intentionally turning the volume up too high, even if they are trying to drown out background noise.
A safe maximum volume for children is generally considered to be 85 decibels (dB) on the headphones. Look for headphones with soft ear cushions, an adjustable headband, and a size that fits comfortably on your child's head.
Choose Over-Ear or On-Ear: These styles are generally safer than earbuds, which sit directly inside the ear canal. Even with safe volume levels, limit the amount of time your child spends using headphones.
Be mindful of the environment where your child is listening. Noisy environments can lead to children increasing the volume to compensate.
Teach your child about safe listening habits and the importance of protecting their hearing.
Dr. Sai Vinthiyaa Gopinath: How does increased screen time with headphones affect ear health in young users?
Dr. Aditi Sinha: Screen usage has become an inevitable part of childhood and adolescence. Screen time in teens (pre-adolescents) doubled after the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite several guidelines on limiting screen time there appears to be no significant reduction. While moderate time spent on screen is associated with both positive and adverse outcomes excessive screen time adversely affects physical and mental health, leading to sleep disturbances, processing disorders, and emotional and psychosocial problems.
Study results reveal a non-linear relationship between screen time and auditory processing. Teens with moderate screen exposure exhibited superior auditory processing skills, while high screen time was associated with deficits in temporal resolution, speech perception, binaural integration, and working memory.
The Goldilocks Hypothesis was supported, indicating that too much screen time may have negative consequences, while too little exposure may not exploit the potential benefits of digital media usage. The findings emphasize the importance of moderation in screen time for optimal auditory processing and working memory in tweens.
Prolonged screen exposure, especially beyond 3 hours daily, negatively affected auditory processing and working memory abilities. When kids spend too much time looking at screens, they often develop “text neck”—a condition caused by poor posture.
This can lead to:
Neck & throat pain due to prolonged forward head posture
Tight jaw muscles, which may trigger TMJ (jaw joint) pain
Sinus congestion due to reduced airflow from improper posture.
Staring at a screen for long hours reduces blinking frequency, causing dry eyes and irritation.
The blue light from screens can also worsen sinus congestion, leading to headaches and nasal discomfort.
Excessive screen time, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. The blue light from screens affects melatonin levels, making it harder for kids to sleep. Reduced sleep can lead to :
Mouth breathing – Causes dry mouth, bad breath, and throat irritation
Snoring & sleep apnea – Increases the risk of ENT infections
Weakened immune system – Leads to frequent colds & throat infections
Many children watch videos, sing along, or talk loudly while gaming, leading to vocal strain and throat irritation. Prolonged speaking in video calls or online classes can also cause voice fatigue.
Stay tuned for Part 2, the final segment of our interview with Dr. Aditi Sinha's where she shares practical strategies for headphone usage to avoid potential risks in the long term.