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Responsible Listening
Caution!: Avoid potential hearing loss.
Damage to hearing occurs when a person is exposed to loud
sounds over time. The risk of hearing loss increases as sound is
played louder and for longer durations. Prolonged exposure to
loud sounds (including music) is the most common cause of
preventable hearing loss. Some scientific research suggests that
using portable audio devices, such as portable music players and
cellular devices, at high volume settings for long durations may
lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss. This includes the
use of headphones (including headsets, earbuds, and Bluetooth
or other wireless devices).
Exposure to very loud sound has also been associated in some
studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear), hypersensitivity to
sound and distorted hearing.
Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss and
potential hearing problem varies. Additionally, the amount of
sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on
the nature of the sound, the device settings, and the headphones
that are used. As a result, there is no single volume setting that is
appropriate for everyone or for every combination of sound,
settings and equipment.
You should follow some commonsense recommendations when
using any portable audio device:
Set the volume in a quiet environment and select the lowest volume at
•
which you can hear adequately.
When using headphones, turn the volume down if you cannot hear the
•
people speaking near you or if the person sitting next to you can hear
what you are listening to.
Do not turn the volume up to block out noisy surroundings. If you
•
choose to listen to your portable device in a noisy environment, use
noise-cancelling headphones to block out background environmental
noise. By blocking background environment noise, noise cancelling
headphones should allow you to hear the music at lower volumes than
when using earbuds.
Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time
•
is required before you hearing could be affected.
Avoid using headphones after exposure to extremely loud noises, such
•
as rock concerts, that might cause temporary hearing loss. Temporary
hearing loss might cause unsafe volumes to sound normal.
Do not listen at any volume that causes you discomfort. If you
•
experience ringing in your ears, hear muffled speech or experience
any temporary hearing difficulty after listening to your portable audio
device, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Health and Safety Information
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