MP3 warning: Reduce volume and save hearing
Most MP3 users in Ireland are listening to music at dangerously high volume levels, new statistics reveal. Another worldwide study shows we are not alone.
An international research study from the Hear the World Foundation revealed people are risking damage to their hearing from over-exposure to amplified music, especially through the use of MP3 players. The findings echo similar studies undertaken by Hidden Hearing, the Irish hearing healthcare specialist which warns that MP3 players and other music devices provided as Christmas presents should be used sensibly.
The Hear the World campaign surveyed over 4,400 people aged between 14 and 65 in Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Britain and the US. The survey found more than 80% of Germans listened to music at over 50% of the maximum possible volume, with 6% of those listening at full volume.
Research conducted on behalf of Hidden Hearing on people’s MP3 usage habits in Ireland found that Irish music lovers are little different, with most listening at dangerously high volume levels.
The Irish study found that 11% of people listening to MP3 players and 35% of people attending gigs and concerts say they have experienced ringing in their ears or dull hearing signalling that damage to their hearing may have begun. It also revealed 40% listened at over 100dBs. Listening at this volume can damage your hearing after 30 minutes.
Some MP3 players reached a maximum volume of 115dB which is the equivalent of a jet plane taking off and should not be listened to for more than 30 seconds.
Hidden Hearing audiologist Keith Ross said: “With Christmas approaching, no doubt MP3 players and other music devices will be on the wishlist for many children and teenagers, so it is more important than ever that people are aware of the dangers from excessive volume. Our research shows a very worrying trend among MP3 users.
“As a result of years of listening to personal music devices at very loud volumes, we are seeing a huge increase in the number of people sometimes as young as 30 suffering from hearing loss which you might expect a person aged over 70 to have. Our advice is to take care of your hearing and turn the volume down. If you are concerned for your hearing, we recommend that you have a hearing test, which can be taken for free at Hidden Hearing’s branches or mobile hearing clinic.”
Hidden Hearing’s survey findings also support a recent European Commission review which confirmed that listening to personal music players at high volumes over a sustained period of time can lead to permanent hearing damage.
The Commission says it could be commonplace in 2020 to see one in ten 30-years-olds wearing a hearing device as a result of listening to personal music players too loudly.
