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Harris Hearing

1239 S 300 E Draper, UT 84020

(801) 293-3494

Are iPods/MP3

Players Bad for

Hearing?

Recent studies suggest that hearing loss is more common than ever before. It is now a

major public health issue in the United States, and is the third most common physical

condition after arthritis and heart disease. TheHearing Loss Association of America

reports that around 20 percent of adults in the country, or 48 million people,report some

degree of hearing loss.

According to an article from WebMD, MP3 players or iPods are poised to make the

problem much worse or raise the risk of hearing loss later on. A survey from the

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association notes that blasting the volume on MP3

players contributes to the risk.

MP3 players or iPods can pump music through headphones or earphones directly into the

canal. The damages of these devices, however, still depend on the volume level, length of

time used, and type of headphones.

Maximum Volume Level

MP3 players and iPods can pump

up the volume over 100 decibels,

whichputs too pressure on the hearing

system. Sounds in the 80 to 85dB range

are enough to cause sound-induced

hearing loss. This only means that 100

dB can trash the hearing system.

Listening to excessively loud musiccan

cause temporary and permanent

hearing loss.

Listening Duration

Many iPod and MP3 player users usually listen to music and podcasts for several hours a

day. This leads to greater exposureto high volume sounds for extended periods of time.

One survey suggests that a significant percentage of teenagers listen to MP3 players for

one to four hours daily, with some listening even longer.

Types of Headphones

Most MP3 players come with ear

buds or tiny earphones that fit snugly

into the ear. Ear buds produce more

damage because they are placed directly

into the ear canal. Headphones are a

much better choice, while sound

cancelling or noise isolating headphones

are the best choice. This is because they

prevent the listener from increasing the

volume of the player. Switching to

headphones that reduce background

noise can help the users keep the

volume lower.

When used irresponsibly, these devices can damage hearing. It is best to follow safety

precautions like turning down the music from the iPod or MP3 player. Experts suggest

using the 60:60 rule or listening at 60 percent of the maximum volume for no more than

60 minutes a day.

RESOURCES:

http://www.harrishearing.com/

http://www.hearingloss.org/content/basic-facts-about-hearing-loss

http://www.betterhearing.org/hearingpedia/hearing-loss-prevention/noise-induced-

hearing-loss