I was riding the bus the other day; looking around at the passengers I noticed that most of them were plugged into some kind of MP3 player. Later that night I went to the gym, again I noticed a lot of people working out with their headphones on. The more I paid attention, the more I noticed that a large percentage of the population, especially the younger generation, are “plugged in” much of the time. But how much listening is really safe?
Audiologist Brian Filgor, of Boston Children’s Hospital, completed a study in 2006, looking at the output levels and usage of different MP3 players on the market. The average iPod can put out as much as 110 decibels of sound! This is alarming considering that most conversational speech comes in at 50-60 decibels. Like other noise, music affects us by daily dosage. The louder the sound the shorter you can listen to it without risking damage to the auditory system. Any sound over 85 dBA (A-weighted decibels—a decibel scale that is used to represent the relative loudness of sounds in air when perceived by the human ear) can be damaging when listened to over an extended period of time (8 hours or more).
Based on this study and what’s known about safe daily listening dosages, Filgor and his group came up with an easy rule for safety when listening to MP3 players. Coined the 80/90 rule it suggests listening to no louder than 80% of the total volume output for no longer than 90 minutes at a time. One 90 minute listening session, which is an estimated 89 dBA, would give the listener about 50% of there daily dose of loud sound. If you like your music louder, reduce your time listening—vice versa—if you want to listen longer reduce the overall volume of the music.
Find out what's happening in Plymouthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Next time you’re jamming out on the bus (or anywhere else) or getting pumped at the gym remember to check the volume level of your music. Keep it at a reasonable level and keep your ears safe.
Sarah Nordberg, AuD is an audiologist at Affinity Hearing in Plymouth. She may be reached at 763-744-1190 for any questions. Affinity Hearing provides free hearing screenings and hearing protection consults to the general public.
I am an expert in audiology, and my extensive knowledge in this field allows me to provide valuable insights into the article about safe listening with an MP3 player. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the auditory system, sound levels, and the potential risks associated with prolonged exposure to loud music.
The article discusses the prevalence of people using MP3 players and the potential risks of listening to music at high volumes. To support these claims, audiologist Brian Filgor from Boston Children's Hospital conducted a study in 2006, examining the output levels and usage patterns of various MP3 players on the market. This study is a key piece of evidence that underscores the importance of addressing the issue of safe listening practices.
Filgor's study revealed that the average iPod can emit up to 110 decibels of sound. This information is crucial as it exceeds the typical conversational speech levels of 50-60 decibels. The article emphasizes the impact of daily dosage, stating that the louder the sound, the shorter the duration it can be listened to without risking damage to the auditory system. The threshold for potential damage is set at sounds above 85 decibels when listened to over an extended period of time (8 hours or more).
To address this concern and provide a practical guideline for safe listening, Filgor and his group introduced the 80/90 rule. This rule recommends listening to no louder than 80% of the total volume output for no longer than 90 minutes at a time. By adhering to this rule, individuals can manage their exposure to loud sounds and reduce the risk of auditory damage. The article concludes by advising readers to be mindful of their music volume, advocating for keeping it at a reasonable level to ensure the safety of their ears.
In addition, the article features Sarah Nordberg, AuD, an audiologist at Affinity Hearing in Plymouth, who is available for questions and offers free hearing screenings and hearing protection consultations to the general public. Nordberg's expertise adds credibility to the article, providing readers with access to professional advice on maintaining their auditory health.
This comprehensive understanding of the study, the 80/90 rule, and the involvement of an audiologist contributes to a well-rounded discussion on the importance of safe listening practices with MP3 players.
Yes, noise can be dangerous. If it is loud enough and lasts long enough, it can damage your hearing. Hearing damage can be caused by several factors other than noise, but noise-induced hearing loss is different in one important way, it can be reduced or prevented altogether.
What can parents do to prevent hearing loss? Talk with your adolescents about using lower volume when listening to music on headphones or earbuds. The highest volume setting on headphones is too loud and can lead to hearing loss. Talk with your child about wearing foam ear plugs when he or she goes to loud concerts.
Good prenatal care—in addition to being current on all vaccinations—can make a tremendous difference in reducing some of these risk factors. Proper prenatal care also reduces the possibility of low birth weight and premature birth, two other risk factors for newborn hearing loss.
recreational noise facts: playing it loud isn't playing it smart. Some recreational activities are dangerously loud and will cause permanent damage to our hearing. Additionally, many recreational activities create loud noises which interfere with the peace and quiet of the community.
A single loud blast or explosion that lasts for less than 1 second can cause permanent hearing loss right away. This noise, called impulse noise or impact noise, may come from gunfire or fireworks.
Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA), even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss. However, long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for NIHL to happen.
Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and Astragalus propinquus showed particular promise to improve hearing in patients with sensorineural hearing loss and to reduce symptoms of tinnitus. A year-long study found that 10 mg of Vinpocetine (VPC) three times a day might improve acquired sensorineural hearing loss.
Most of the time it's caused by natural changes to the inner ear as you get older. A lifetime of listening to loud noises, like playing music through headphones, can also cause hearing trouble. Once noise damages the hairs in the ear that help you hear, they don't grow back.
Engaging in regular cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling and swimming can be a great way to ensure your hearing remains in excellent condition. Physical activity helps to improve blood circulation throughout the body, such as the ears, which reduces the risk of hearing loss.
Other congenital causes include trauma, ototoxic medications used in the antenatal period, and several perinatal risk factors such as prematurity, low birth weight, and hyperbilirubinemia. Otitis media with effusion is the number one cause of acquired hearing loss in children.
Harvard scientists have developed a new hearing loss treatment that restores hearing via cell reprogramming and regeneration. June 29, 2023 - Researchers at Harvard Medical School are one step closer to restoring sensorineural hearing loss through cell reprogramming and regeneration.
Glue ear (also called otitis media with effusion) means the middle ear contains a build-up of sticky fluid (or glue). This can affect hearing because the middle ear can't move freely, but the level of hearing loss is mild. Some children have recurrent glue ear, meaning it returns after treatment over a long period.
Toxic noise penetrates and shocks our bodies. When a siren passes by, I always put my hands over my ears because the sound of the siren goes right through my system. Also noisy neighbors and barking dogs can intrude on our privacy and impact our serenity.
Passive Noise Cancellation (PNC) is the reduction of high frequency noise in the headset speakers by means of the physical design (size, diameter, shape, material) and fit of the headset. PNC blocks out and lowers the level of ambient noise you hear when you wear your headset.
Sound is measured in units called decibels. Sounds at or below 70 A-weighted decibels (dBA) are generally safe. Long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss.
However, slamming the door over time can eventually lead to problems with the car's structure and functionality. It is worth noting that in some cases, damage to an automobile's door can cause it to collapse or become stuck due to excessive corrosion from moisture accumulation inside of it.
Chronic NIHL: Gradual exposure to less forceful noise over time (like hearing damage from listening through headphones). You may go for weeks, months or even years before noticing symptoms.
Speech and other sounds seem muffled. Trouble hearing high-pitched sounds. Trouble understanding conversations when in a noisy place, such as a restaurant. Trouble understanding speech over the phone.
Your recovery time depends on the intensity and duration of the noise, as well as your susceptibility to hearing damage. Generally, after exposure to moderately loud noises, you should reduce from noise-induced hearing loss or discomfort, within a few minutes to a few hours.
Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
