Filter
Top Products
132
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
133
AVOID POTENTIAL HEARING LOSS
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds (including music) is the most c ommon 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 dura tions 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
associat ed 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 poten
tial hearing problems varies.
The amount of sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on
the nature of the sound, the devic e, the device settings and the headphones. You
should follow some c ommonsense rec ommendations when using any porta
ble
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 surr oundings. If you choose to
listen to your portable device in a noisy environment, use noise-cancelling
headphones to block out background envir onmental 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
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 p
ortable 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
Voice: 800-AAA-2336
Email: infoaud@audiology.org
Internet:
http://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
Email: nidcdinfo@nidcd.nih.gov
Internet:
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing