Health and Safety Information 22
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.
As a result, there is no single volume setting
R380_3.74 H x 2.519inch W - 95mm H x 64mm W.book Page 22 Monday, March 10, 2014 12:15 PM
