View this article at: http://dev.macnn.com/articles/06/01/30/ipod.ear.damage Monday, Jan 30, 2006 2:20pm Another warning about iPod use Representative Edward Mackey (D-Massachusetts) has asked the National Institutes of Health to decide on the health risks of listening to portable music players like the iPod. According to One News, Markey cited the fact that noise above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage if the noise persists for too long. Apple has declined to state the maximum decibel level of the iPod, and cautions about iPod with earbud use have been issued by various personas. Markey said in his letter that "people don't want to give up their portable music devices, however, they need to know whether they are at risk for premature hearing loss and how to protect themselves."