An alarming increase in hearing problems among young adults has been linked to “Auditory Processing Disorder” (APD). Health experts warn that this issue could be partially associated with the growing use of “noise-canceling” headphones.
APD occurs when the brain cannot properly interpret auditory information, despite one’s hearing ability being fully functional. This can lead to difficulties in understanding speech, particularly in noisy environments or when someone speaks quickly. People with this condition often need things repeated or take longer to respond in conversations.
While these noise-canceling devices offer clear benefits in blocking external sounds, overuse may affect the brain’s natural ability to filter background noise. Furthermore, as the late teens are a critical period for developing advanced listening skills, continuous use of noise-canceling headphones during this time may delay speech and noise processing.
Photo: AdobeStock 照片:AdobeStock
Sophie, a 25-year-old administration assistant from London, is suffering from the effects of APD. Often thought of as absent-minded, she encounters ongoing challenges in her daily interactions. During her university years, Sophie struggled to follow lectures and eventually relied on watching recorded sessions with subtitles to keep up with her studies. Her audiologist identified her daily five-hour use of noise-canceling headphones as a possible cause of her auditory processing difficulties.
As awareness of APD grows, experts are urging moderation in the use of noise-canceling headphones. They also call for further studies to better understand the connection between the use of noise-canceling headphones and APD. For now, adopting mindful listening practices may help reduce the risks and protect long-term auditory health.
年輕群族中聽力問題有驚人的增長，這被認為與聽覺處理障礙（APD）有關。健康專家警示，這個問題有一部分可能與愈來愈常使用降噪耳機相關。
即使聽力完全正常，但大腦無法正確解讀聽覺資訊時，就會發生聽覺處理障礙。這可能會導致難以理解言語，特別是在嘈雜的環境中或當某人語速很快時。患有這種障礙的人在談話中常常需要別人重述語句，或需要更長的時間才能回應。
雖然這些降噪耳機的裝置在阻擋外部聲音方面提供明顯的好處，但過度使用可能會影響大腦過濾背景噪音的先天能力。此外，由於十八、十九歲是發展進階聽力技能的關鍵時期，在此期間持續使用降噪耳機可能會延緩言語和噪音處理的發展。
蘇菲是一位來自倫敦的二十五歲行政助理，她正遭受 APD 的影響。人們常常認為她心不在焉，她在日常互動中不斷遇到難關。在大學期間，蘇菲難以跟上課程，最終依靠觀看帶有字幕的錄製課程來趕上她的學習進度。她的聽力學家認為，她每日使用五小時的降噪耳機可能是導致她聽覺處理困難的原因。
隨著人們逐漸意識到聽覺處理障礙的存在，專家敦促人們適度使用降噪耳機。他們也呼籲進一步研究，以便更深入了解使用降噪耳機和聽覺處理障礙之間的關聯。目前，謹慎對待聽力的做法可能有助於降低風險並保護長期聽力健康。
What Did You Learn?
1. What are noise-canceling headphones highly effective in doing?
2. What do specialists advise to help prevent APD?
參考答案 :
1. Blocking external noise.
2. They advise using noise-canceling headphones in moderation.
Words in Use
1. partially adv. 部分地
I only partially understood the professor’s explanation.
我只理解了教授所解釋的部分內容。
2. interpret vt. 解讀，解釋
Everyone interprets art differently based on their experiences.
大家根據自身經驗以不同的方式來解讀藝術。
3. functional a.
（生理機能、機器等）正常運作的
The old radio is still functional, but the sound quality isn’t great.
那臺舊收音機還能正常運作，但音質不是很好。
4. filter vt. 過濾
Our brains filter unnecessary information so we can focus.
我們的大腦會過濾不必要的資訊，以便我們專心。
5. critical a. 關鍵性的
The next few hours are critical for the success of the mission.
接下來的幾個小時對於任務成功很關鍵。
Practical Phrases
1. pose a risk to sb/sth 對某人∕某事造成危害
Extreme weather poses a risk to crops.
極端天氣會對作物造成危害。
2. an alarming increase/rise in. . . …驚人的增長
An alarming increase in crime has led to stricter security measures.
犯罪率呈現驚人的增長，使得安全措施更為嚴格。
3. be linked to N 和…相關
= be associated with. . .
The company’s financial issues are linked to poor management.
這間公司的財務問題和管理不善有關。
Certain superstitions are associated with the number 13.
某些迷信與數字13有關。
4. suffer from. . . 遭受…，因…而受苦
The region suffers from frequent droughts.
該地區經常遭受乾旱。
5.A be thought of as B A 被認為是 B
This town is thought of as a great place to raise kids.
這個小鎮被認為是撫養孩童的好地方。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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