According to Forbes.com, one in five consumers plans to buy a digital music player, known as an Mp3 player, in the next three months. That's up 13 percent from last year.

The enormous popularity of the devices has audiologists concerned.

Dr. Tina Troxell, an audiologist with Audiology Consultants, Moline, said playing the devices too loud too often can lead to permanent ear damage.

"If someone else can hear the music, then it's dangerous and can cause damage," said Dr. Troxell, who admits to owning a personal digital music player.

"It varies person to person," but irreversible damage can be done in a fairly short amount of time, she said.

Noise-induced hearing loss is becoming more prevalent in younger and younger children, she said, because of Mp3 players and other technology, including better (louder) car speakers.

Dana Rindal, 25, a Moline accountant, uses her Mp3 player five or six times a week, usually while she's working out.

"And I use it constantly when I travel," she said, adding that her husband often complains she plays it too loud.

Ms. Rindall said she's conscious of the volume "but when you're in the airport or on an airplane, you have to have it loud because it's so noisy."

Dr. Troxell said that's common, especially in the younger generation.

She encourages people to wear ear plugs when they can, such as when mowing the lawn or attending a loud concert. She's aware, of course, that those recommendations often fall on deaf ears.

"There are no pills, no surgeries to fix your hearing. Once it's gone, it's permanent."

By Darla M. Wiese
http://qconline.com/archives/qco/sections.cgi?prcss=display&id=269010