|
|
|
Written by Knight Ridder
|
|
Wednesday, 12 April 2006 |
|
|
|
|
In the age of the iPod, where the music never stops, how can users of personal stereos ensure their ears don’t give out?
By turning down the volume, taking breaks from listening or using noise-canceling earphones, according to the American Speech-Language Hearing Association.
And as of last week, those who have Nano or video-capable iPods can download software that limits the top volume of the units.
The electronic units usually are packaged with "ear buds"— earphones that insert into the outer ear. Unfortunately, they often let in outside, or ambient, noise, making it harder to hear what’s playing. That, in turn, may encourage the listener to pump up the volume.
Although the unregulated volume of Apple Computer Inc.’s iPods can reach more than 115 decibels, 85 decibels is the “line of demarcation," says Pam Mason, the association’s director of professional audiology practices. At that level, listeners can use the units continuously for eight hours.
 For each increase of 5 decibels, users should cut listening time in half, Mason says.
So, if you were listening at 90 decibels, "you’d wear them for four hours." If you’re listening at 120 decibels, you would tune in for only five to 10 minutes before taking a break.
Taking a break from loud noises is very important, Mason says.
"Our ears have natural resiliency built into them. After a loud concert, your ears are ringing and sounds are muffled. But in the morning, you don’t have those symptoms. Those are temporary effects of excessive noise, and you do recover your hearing.” But "continual exposure is going to lead to a permanent hearing loss."
Few listeners, however, will be able to determine where 85 decibels is on the volume dial.
Mason uses a "three-foot rule" as a guide: If you’re standing three feet from someone listening to a personal stereo and you can hear what’s playing, the music is too loud.
Using noise-canceling earphones and ear buds that electronically filter ambient noise can help keep volume lower, she says.
"It’s easier to self-regulate the volume when you have earphones that isolate what you want to hear from what you don’t want to hear," she says.
Such devices are available and prices range from about $40 to $300.
In a recent survey for the association, both adults and teens reported hearing problems that could be linked to the increased use of personal stereos. The trend is alarming in children, Mason says.
"Even mild, minor hearing loss can have a devastating effect on academic achievement and social development." | Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register. |
|
|  | "Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. That is Alchemy's first law of Equivalent Exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only truth." | |
|  | We're not that bright, even though in our own little world, we're geniuses. We like 80s hair bands and one-hit wonders, but among us we have respectable tastes, too. Metallica, Iron Maiden, U2. Pursuit of all things trivial is a lifestyle, not just a game. We like some sports, love other sports, and can find something to say about anything. We watch TV and movies and we've read a book or two, even a few classics (Yes, Classic Comics count!)
We call it insight, you call it what you will. | |
|  | Felix Wong is an outdoor enthusiast living in Fort Collins. A mechanical engineer by day, he is especially passionate about bicycling, running, and backpacking. | |
|  | Hola Amigos! I'm Sandra. I like to believe that people are 70 percent good and 30 percent dumb. I'm stickin to that story. Reading this blog might make you want to be good, but probably just dumb. | |
|  | Donovan Henderson is editor of NEXTnc. | |
|  | Here at Nextnc we have some characters. Get a sneak peak behind the curtain and find out what amusing antics our staffers get themselves into on a weekly basis. | |
|  | What is up FoCo?
I am a recent college graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead. After recieving my B.A. in English and Mass Communications this past August I moved down to Colorado.
I enjoy long walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, and heavy metal. My hobbies include reading and writing, music, movies, and getting drunk. Some of my favorite contemporary authors include Bret Easton Ellis, Chuck Palahniuk, and Kurt Vonnegut. My top movies are anything directed by Kubrick. I enjoy listening to anything that rocks.
Right now I am just trying to get to know Colorado and FoCo better. Mostly in order to find the best drink specials on each day that ends in Y. So if you know where I can get a cheap drunk on, let me know!
--Drew | |
|  | Life's little morsels of inspiration, observation and encouragement seen through the eyes of the Nextnc reporter.
| |
|  | Ms. Giles currently lives in Colorado where she stars in her own private reality show. She writes aphoristic accounts of her life, taken completely out of context, and embellished with characters and situations disguised to resemble something close to interesting. | |
|  | over and out | |
| | My name is Michelle Turley and I'm 28 years old. I live in Severance with my hubbie, Brandon. We have 2 dogs and a cat. We enjoy camping, four-wheeling, and just being in the mountains. I like to cook, clean (go figure), flea market, and play poker. I have so much to say about poker... | |
|
|
