HEAL
TH AND SAFETY
72
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 cell phones, 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.
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