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Health and Safety Information 149
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
potential hearing problem varies. Additionally, the amount of
sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on
the nature of the sound, the device settings, and the headphones
that are used. As a result, there is no single volume setting that is
appropriate for everyone or for every combination of sound,
settings and equipment.
You should follow some commonsense recommendations when
using any portable audio device:
•
Always turn the volume down before plugging the earphones into an
audio source.
•
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. By blocking background environment noise, noise cancelling
headphones should allow you to hear the music at lower volumes than
when using earbuds.
•
Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time
is required before you 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
Voice: (800) 222-2336
Email: info@audiology.org
Internet:
http://www.audiology.org
u460.book Page 149 Tuesday, June 8, 2010 5:09 PM