Dr. Roland Eavey, Mass Eye and Ear -- "It seems like we are probably on the edge of an epidemic."

28 million Americans currently have some degree of hearing loss, some estimate, that number could jump as high as 78 million by 2030.

Dr. Richard Rosenfeld
"People need to be aware that they get one set of ears."

Dr. Richard Rosenfeld showed us how loud head phones can get. using this device these ear buds at full volume reached 120 decibels.

Dr. Richard Rosenfeld
"Even a few minutes a day could over time give you a induced noise hearing loss."

Although headphones aren't the only culprit in the growing number - - experts say its definitely part of the problem...

Dr. Roland Eavey, Mass Eye and Ear
"The situation is fertile for someone to injure their own hearing, which is ironic because the reason why they have the device is because they love music!"

So what can you do to keep the music playing but your ears safe?

- Turn it down. it may sound better loud but you wont hear it at all if you go deaf

Dr. Roland Eavey, Mass Eye and Ear
"When the person standing next to you says wow your listening to pearl jam great, if they can tell what you are listing to its to loud."

- Get better head phones. sound reducing headphones block out background noise which lets you hear your music better at a lower volume

-And take a break. the longer you listen the more the potential damage...

It's damage that can be prevented - - but irreversible once it's done.

By WHDH-TV Boston
http://www3.whdh.com/features/articles/specialreport/BOS12062/