Safety
k
Avoid potential hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (including music)
is the most common cause of preventable hearing loss.
Some scientific research suggests that using portable
audio devices, such as portable music players and
cellular telephones, at high volume settings for long
durations may lead to permanent noise-induced hearing
loss. This includes the use of headphones (including
headsets, earbuds and Bluetooth or other wireless
devices). Exposure to very loud sound has also been
associated in some studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the
ear), hypersensitivity to sound and distorted hearing.
Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss
and other potential hearing problems varies.
The amount of sound produced by a portable audio
device varies depending on the nature of the sound, the
device, the device settings and the headphones. You
should follow some common
sense recommendations
when using any portable audio device:
• Set the volume in a quiet environment and select the
lowest volume at which you can hear adequately.
• When using headphones, turn the volume down if you
cannot hear the people speaking near you or if the
person sitting next to you can hear what you are
listening
to.
• Do not turn the volume up to block out noisy
surroundings. If you choose to listen to your portable
device in a noisy environment, use noise-cancelling
headphones to block out background environmental
noise.
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