Caution! Avoid Potential Hearing Loss.

Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (including music) is the most common cause of preventable hearing loss. Some scientific research suggests that using portable audio devices, such as portable music players and cellular telephones, at high volume settings for long durations may lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss. This includes the use of headphones (including headsets, earbuds and Bluetooth or other wireless devices). Exposure to very loud sound has also been associated in some studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear), hypersensitivity to sound and distorted hearing. Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss and other potential hearing problems varies.

The amount of sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on the nature of the sound, the device, the device settings and the headphones. You should follow some common-sense recommendations when using any portable audio device:

• Set the volume in a quiet environment and select the lowest volume at which you can hear adequately.
• When using headphones, turn the volume down if you cannot hear the people speaking near you or if the person sitting next to you can hear what you are listening to.
• Do not turn the volume up to block out noisy surroundings. If you choose to listen to your portable device in a noisy environment, use noise-canceling headphones to block out background environmental noise.
• Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time is required before your hearing could be affected.
• Avoid using headphones after exposure to extremely loud noises such as rock concerts that might cause temporary hearing loss. Temporary hearing loss might cause unsafe volumes to sound normal.
• Do not listen at any volume that causes you discomfort. If you experience ringing in your ears, hear muffled speech or experience any temporary hearing difficulty after listening to your portable audio device, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

You can obtain additional information on this subject from the following sources:

American Academy of Audiology
11730 Plaza American Drive, Suite 300
Reston, VA 20190
Toll-Free Voice: (800) 222-2336
E-mail: info@audiology.org
Internet: www.audiology.org

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive, MSC 2320
Bethesda, MD USA 20892-2320
Voice: (301) 496-7243
E-Mail: nidcdinfo@nih.gov
Internet: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing  

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Hubert H. Humphrey Bldg.
200 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20201
Voice: 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674)
Internet: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html