Part of an ongoing series dedicated to raising health and safety awareness across the Temple community.
Everywhere you go on campus or at home, you see someone with an iPod or MP3 player. However, listening too loudly for too long can have a damaging affect on your hearing; the kinds of headphones you choose can also make a difference.
With the increasing popularity of portable digital music players (MP3 players), there are concerns about the effect of these devices on hearing loss. According to The National Hearing Conservation Association, damage to hearing occurs when a person is exposed to loud sounds over time. The risk of hearing loss increases as sound is played louder and for longer durations. Researchers from University of Colorado and Harvard evaluated five MP3 players from three manufacturers, using stock earphones as well as four other models of earphones with each player. Output levels were measured from five popular music genres, noise and pure tones using each of the players and each of the earphones. They observed that output level changes with increase in volume and, on average, output levels of in-ear earphones are 5.5 decibels higher than earphones that sit on top of the ears. No significant differences were found on the output level between genres of music when played at maximum volume settings.
The study concluded that MP3 players produce high enough sound levels to pose a risk of hearing loss, if used at high enough volumes for extended durations. Users of MP3 players must be aware of their volume levels, and the maximum amount of time they can listen at their chosen volume without risking hearing loss. For example, at maximum volume you can listen to five minutes of music a day without possible hearing loss. However, at 60 percent of volume level, you can listen safely up to18 hours a day on an iPod.
— This article is part of an ongoing series of health and safety articles aiming to raise awareness among Temple University employees, faculty and students about a range of health and safety issues. The initiative was developed by Temple’s Health and Safety Awareness Committee, comprising members from across the university community. For further information about this article, please contact Environmental Health and Radiation Safety at 215-707-2520. If you have other health and safety questions, suggestions or concerns, please e-mail the Health & Safety Committee at safetyawareness@temple.edu.