With the advanced functionality of mp3 players, we can now easily escape from daily mundane tasks like commuting to work. It’s best to be aware though of how excessive use of these devices at high volumes can cause irreversible hearing loss. Wearing in-ear headphones, instead of over-ear headphones, increases the noise dose because listeners turn them up to blank out background noise (traffic etc.) and therefore increase the risk of damage.*
Limiting the duration of time listening to music at the highest volume on your mp3 player is the best preventative measure. It seems more appropriate to crank up the volume for a favourite song(s) and then turn the device back to a lower level. Continued exposure at the maximum level is when hearing damage can occur. The maximum available sound pressure levels from a stereo headphone can produce sound levels in excess of 100dBA. Understand safe exposure limits at ‘How Loud Is Loud?’
If you are after more information on this, check out Hearing Loss and iPods.
Here is what a leading mp3 manufacturer warns and recommends:
"Avoiding Hearing Damage: Permanent hearing loss may occur if the receiver, earbuds, headphones, speakerphone, or earpieces are used at high volume. Set the volume to a safe level. You can adapt over time to a higher volume of sound that may sound normal but can be damaging to your hearing. If you experience ringing in your ears or muffled speech, stop listening and have you hearing checked. The louder the volume, the less time is required before your hearing could be affected. Hearing experts suggest that to protect your hearing:
- Limit the amount of time you use the receiver, earbuds, headphones, speakerphone, or earpieces at high volume.
- Avoid turning up the volume to block out noisy surroundings.
- Turn the voume down if you can't hear people speaking near you."
