In the 50s people said Rock and Roll was evil and they may have been right! There are raised worries about hearing loss in young people. This is due to their increased use of Mp3 players at high volume.

Young people are more likely to play music louder and for longer periods of time. Research shows that 76% of people listen to music at levels above 85 decibels. Exposure to noise of over 80 decibels can cause permanent damage to your hearing. This is classed as noise induced hearing loss, which is different from the deafness that can occur naturally in old age. If your hearing is affected at work you can make a hearing loss claim for compensation but most young people have nowhere to turn as they are damaging their own hearing.

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Despite years of graphic anti-smoking campaigns and public smoking bans, people continue to light up - especially at home, where more than half of American children and teenagers are exposed to secondhand smoke. Scientists believe that passive smoke either causes or exacerbates lung cancer, asthma, learning disabilities, heart disease and other conditions and now a new study now finds that teenagers exposed to tobacco smoke may also have significant hearing loss - and not even know it. Here is, a brief guide:

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A study by Henry Ford Hospital shows a direct association between cotton swab use and ruptured eardrum. The good news: The study also shows that, in most cases, the rupture heals on its own and surgery is only necessary for the most severe cases. In fact 97% healed on their own. The authors of this study offer some good advice for cleaning your ears.

• Take cool peroxide, hot tap water and mix equally. Be sure it is body temperature and gently irrigate the ear one or two times per month.
• Take plain vinegar and water and use four or five drops in the ear once a week.
• See a doctor, who can remove ear wax for you.
• Try an over-the-counter treatment such as Debrox.

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