Users, not iPod, create hearing damage

Some hearing experts are challenging the notion that iPods ar associated with hearing loss. Although hearing loss is on the rise in the US, hearing loss is a gradual process that takes years to take effect, which means that as a relatively new product, the iPod cannot yet be responsible for hearing loss. Hearing damage is another matter, though, with most iPod users wearing earbuds instead of noise-cancelling headphones. Many people who use portable music devices use the volue control to combat ambient noise-- traffic, lawnmowers, subways, crowds, etc.

According to the report, the problem is user-controlled decibel levels. Often, the decibel level of the music rises above the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's stated 85 decibel mark at which the risk of earing damage begins. Findings reported by Gregory Mott show that most iPods have a maximum decible level at above 100, and used with the iPod earbuds, this level of sound channeled directly into the eardrum can be harmful, although not immediately damaging.

Says Brenda Lonsbury-Martin, director of research at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: "if you pay attention to your ear health" hearing damage will not necessarily become hearing loss.

Filed under: iPod, industry