Health and Safety Information 91
(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
