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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:
American Academy of Audiology
11730 Plaza American Drive, Suite 300
Reston, VA 20190
Voice: (800) 222-2336
Email: [email protected]
Internet:
http://www.audiology.org
Common Cents M340.book Page 81 Thursday, April 1, 2010 12:36 PM
