110
●
Use accessories, such as
earphones and headsets, with
caution. Ensure that cables are
tucked away safely and do not
touch the antenna unnecessarily.
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 commonsense
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-cancelling
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:
Safety