Listening to MP3 player for an hour a day could make you deaf, experts warn

Up to one million Britons are risking permanent deafness by listening to their music players too loudly, European officials have said, reports The Daily Mail. "They say five to 10 per cent of iPod and other MP3 users risk losing their hearing completely if they listen for more than an hour a day for at least five years. The EU's scientific committee on emerging health risks says between 2.5 and 10million people across the continent could go deaf because of their addiction to their personal music players. ... An EU safety standard already exists restricting the noise level of personal music players to 100 decibels, but the scientists said the danger level is much lower - music pumped into the ears above 89 decibels for long periods of time. At that level, users of personal music players are exposed to higher noise levels than currently allowed in factories." Related: -- Another warning about earbuds -- Headphones linked to hearing loss? -- iPod warning: turn it down -- Another warning about earbuds -- Headphones linked to hearing loss? -- Mobiles could lead to hearing loss among college kids -- Mobiles could lead to hearing loss among college kids -- Siemens phones may cause hearing damage -- Groups Wants Loud Warnings On iPods, MP3s permalink (October 13th, 2008)

Groups Wants Loud Warnings On iPods, MP3s

A British organization for the deaf is requesting that Apple and other manufacturers of MP3 players print more prominent warnings about the risks of hearing loss. Yahoo News reports. Though cell phones are not specifically mentioned in this article, the phone industry banks on the success of music phones, and many new models launched today include MP3 features. "The recommendation announced this week, is part of a "Don't Lose The Music" campaign by the RNID(formerly the Royal National Institute for Deaf People). While observing its first "Don't Lose The MusicWeek," the charity group has written to all leading manufacturers of MP3 players asking them to explain potential dangers of using their products at high volumes. ... The U.K.-based group states that it is not opposed to MP3 players but wants to encourage people to protect themselves against the cumulative effects of loud music, "so they can enjoy the music they love for the rest of their lives." Related articles: -- Another warning about earbuds -- Headphones linked to hearing loss? -- iPod warning: turn it down -- Mobiles could lead to hearing loss among college kids -- Siemens phones may cause hearing damage permalink (September 10th, 2006)