It’s Getting Loud in Here!
Is Your MP3 player putting you at risk of hearing loss?
A new study conducted by audiologists reveals the key to avoiding hearing damage is not so much limiting how long one listens to music on their MP3 player but how loud the volume is turned up. Hearing loss from MP3 players is intensified when the players are used to drown out other noises.
The average young person could listen to a MP3 player at 70 percent of full volume for four and a half hours without much risk. But listening to the music full blast for just five minutes can affect hearing.
What about the headphones?
It does not much matter whether listeners use headphones that cover the ears or go into them. The real risk is when people listen to music in a noisy environment because there is a tendency to turn up the volume. Earphones that block outside noise may be helpful in reducing hearing loss.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has compiled a list of headphones worth checking out: http://www.listentoyourbuds.org/parents.php?id=21
What can you do?
Although the effects of hearing loss may not be felt until later on in life, college students should make sure they keep the volume level relatively low on the headphones.
A general rule: if you can’t carry on a conversation while listening to your MP3 player, chances are the volume is too loud and there is potential for damage.
Sources:
The study was prepared by Brian J. Fligor of Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard, Terri Ives of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry School of Audiology and Cory Portnuff, a graduate student at the University of Colorado.
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2005/10/10-18-05tdc/10-18-05dscihealth-03.asp
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