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November 11, 2005
iPods may cause hearing loss
Audiologists are questioning if iPod users can suffer noise-induced hearing loss while listening to music on the devices. Much like concerns over the Sony Walkman, the constant pressure of loud music in the ear may cause hearing loss. But the iPod is different because the ear buds are placed inside the ear, not on it like typical headphones.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration recommends 85 decibels as a safe listening level for up to eight hours. But the iPod can go higher than that.
"There are some devices on the market that can be turned up over 110 decibels," said Audiology Professor Michael Stewart.
Stewart said listening to levels of 110 decibels for just 15 minutes can cause hearing loss.
Novi freshman Rich Bronson said he is not worried about hearing loss.
"The loudness of the music is definitely worth it," he said.
It is not necessary to listen to music at high volumes to hear it well, said Gerald Church, communication disorders professor and director of that department’s audiology division.
"Your ear adapts to the level you are listening to," he said. “If it seems quiet, your ear will adjust.”
When an insert is sitting in the ear, it makes the sound cavity smaller and increases the sound pressure level. A volume level of six with headphones would be louder on an iPod using the ear inserts, Stewart said.
"If it goes up to eight, turn it up to four. These things are meant to be run half on," he said.
Both Church and Stewart said if an iPod user notices ringing in their ears after using the device, the music was too loud.
There are things iPod users can do to decrease their chances of developing noise induced hearing loss. People around the iPod user should not be able to hear the music if it is at a reasonable volume.
Listeners can also pay attention to how long they listen to the music since the duration of exposure plays a role in hearing loss. Church said four or five hours at a time is too much.
Mount Pleasant freshman Anne Szczubelek said she listens to her iPod every day.
"Not too loud when I’m walking between classes, but louder if I’m listening to it in my room," Szczubelek said.
Stewart said everyone has a different level of susceptibility to developing noise induced hearing loss.
"When you start to notice it, it’s too late, because hearing loss is permanent," Stewart said.
By Beth Kieda
http://www.cm-life.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/11/11/437425bf8812d
Posted by 4HL on November 11, 2005 10:15 AM
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