Health and Safety Information 136
Responsible Listening
Caution!:
Avoid potential hearing loss.
Damage to hearing occurs when a person is exposed to loud sounds over time. The risk of hearing loss increases
as sound is played louder and for longer durations. 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 potential hearing problem varies. Additionally, the
amount of sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on the nature of the sound, the device
settings, and the headphones that are used. As a result, there is no single volume setting that is appropriate for
everyone or for every combination of sound, settings and equipment.
You should follow some commonsense 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. By blocking background
environment noise, noise cancelling headphones should allow you to hear the music at lower volumes than when using
earbuds.
•
Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time is required before you hearing could be affected.
•
Avoid using headphones after exposure to extremely loud noises, such as rock concerts, that might cause temporary hearing
loss. Temporary hearing loss might cause unsafe volumes to sound normal.
•
Do not listen at any volume that causes you discomfort. If you experience ringing in your ears, hear muffled speech or
experience any temporary hearing difficulty after listening to your portable audio device, discontinue use and consult your
doctor.
You can obtain additional information on this subject from the following sources:
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