Effective ways to prevent hearing loss from MP3 player use
Portable MP3 music players like the iPod have revolutionized the way people listen to their music. Unfortunately, prolonged and improper use has increased the risk that these players contribute to
permanent hearing loss.
Most MP3 players are capable of producing sound at a level far above 85 decibels, the maximum safety level for sound. Prolonged exposure to excessively loud music can damage the ear’s hair cells, resulting in hearing loss.
And in children, even a minimal loss of hearing can have life-long ramifications, impairing their educational and social development.
One problem is that the popular earphone buds, which accompany most MP3 players, don’t block out ambient sound. So it’s not uncommon for that listener to turn up the volume in order to drown out background noise.
Here are four effective ways to protect your hearing, without sacrificing your enjoyment:
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Always keep the volume to a moderate level.
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Listen in moderation, taking breaks to give your ears a rest.
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Use headphones that better isolate ambient noise, creating a clearer sound without the need to raise the volume.
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When possible, use traditional speakers. There are many styles of stereos available today designed specifically for MP3 players.
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,
www.asha.org
You can listen (at a moderate level) to some of Lancaster General's podcasts in our
Multimedia Center.