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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 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.
• Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time is
required before your hearing could be affected.
• Avoid using headphones after exposure to extremely loud noises, such as
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-AAA-2336
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.audiology.org
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders National
Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive, MSC 2320
Bethesda, MD USA 20892-2320
Voice: (301) 496-7243
Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta GA 30333. USA
Voice: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html
