Portable music players can cause hearing loss

With increased playing time, easy portability, higher peak decibel levels, and rapid growth in popularity, the portable personal music player has become a ticking time bomb for potential premature hearing loss. While precautions can be taken to handle the risk of damage, those unaware of how damaging their listening habits are may be less likely to change their behavior.

Even though information has surfaced regarding the potential harm of personal devices, studies have shown that both adults and youth are not likely to change their listening habits. According to one study conducted by Zogby International for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), half of all youth and adults polled said they are not concerned with potential hearing loss, and approximately the same amount indicated they had no intention of taking preventative measures.

Dr. Marshall Chasin,  an audiologist and director of Auditory Research at the Musicians' Clinics of Canada, indicates that the average decibel (dB) level of these portable devices is approximately 136 dB. However, depending on the style of headphones used in conjunction with the device, maximum output can reach anywhere from 50-140 dB. To put that in perspective, 140 dB is equivalent to a gunshot or firecracker. Listening to 80-85 dB (equivalent to an alarm clock, or telephone dial tone) for approximately 40 hours per week is safe without the worry of inflicting hearing damage. However, for every 3 dB increase in the volume, the safe exposure time is cut in half. That's a lot of damage potential in a very short period of time.

It's not important who you are and what you listen to, but how you listen to it, when you listen to it, and at what volume.

The goal at CHHA is to raise awareness of the hard of hearing community and educate individuals about hearing loss. To learn more, visit www.chha.ca .