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Jamming to the iPod Is Making Us Deaf

A generation of adults will suffer hearing loss well ahead of its time

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted May 18, 2009 10:57 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The popularity of iPods and similar devices may leave a generation of adults with impaired hearing decades ahead of their time, the Boston Globe reports. Sensory cells in the ear can only take so much bombardment, and frequent, pulsing music causes irreparable damage. New research also shows that boys often listen louder and that peer pressure influences volume.

"You can listen loud, but you have to listen smart," says the study's author, noting that teens often fail to realize how much they are cranking up the volume, and that some adults in their 20s are being diagnosed with hearing at the level of a typical 50-year-old. Though each ear varies, he suggests daily jamming be limited to 90 minutes at 80% volume.

Some young adults are being diagnosed with hearing typical of 50-year-olds, a doctor says.
Some young adults are being diagnosed with hearing typical of 50-year-olds, a doctor says.   (Shutterstock)
A translator adjusts her headphones during a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.
A translator adjusts her headphones during a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
Since it debuted 8 years ago, the iPod has won over more than 200 million customers.
Since it debuted 8 years ago, the iPod has won over more than 200 million customers.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
Today's iPods can be set to automatically limit maximum volume, but many users don't avail themselves of the feature.
Today's iPods can be set to automatically limit maximum volume, but many users don't avail themselves of the feature.   (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
zackmasson
Oct 8, 2009 3:45 AM CDT
Whats with all these reports that should be common sense.....
Addyp
May 19, 2009 4:42 AM CDT
Gee, you mean listening to things too loud will damage hearing? ... No shit.
SBS
May 19, 2009 2:00 AM CDT
A good idea. As a sixty year old male who listened to music to loud in earphones and worked in a noisy environment I now have partial hearing loss. I wished I would have done things different.

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music • study • hearing loss • decibel • iPods • ear

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