An influential European scientific committee has warned that iPod and other MP3 player users should have the volumes on their personal stereos restricted over fears that the in ear headphones are seriously damaging hearing. It is estimated that around 10 percent of users are listening to volumes that could permanently damage their hearing within just five years. The latest report, from the European Union's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health risks, claims that music pumped into the ears over just 90 decibels is dangerous. Personal stereos can reach 100 decibels, but the sound that hits in ear headphones, can reach 120.
Meglena Kuneva, the EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner, said We need to look again at the controls in place, in the light of this scientific advice, to make sure they are fully effective and keep pace with new technology. The committee found that more than a million Britons could go deaf because they listen to their music too loud and too long. Users who listen for more than an hour a day for five years could risk deafness and that means millions could lose their hearing because they are not prepared to stop listening to their music in this way.
The study shows that music pumped into the ears above 89 decibels for long periods of time is actually louder than that currently allowed in factories. Emma Harrison, head of campaigns at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said Decision makers and opinion formers are finally waking up to the hearing loss time bomb threatening many young MP3 users. The Royal National institute has now started a Don't Lose the Music campaign, which raises awareness of the dangers of listening to MP3 players too loudly. Research by the Institute found that 58 per cent of 16 to 30 year olds were completely unaware of any risk to their hearing from MP3 players, and campaigners now want to see the Government and industry taking decisive action to save the hearing of future generations.
EU consumer affairs commissioner Meglena Kuneva said a conference early next year would bring governments, the music industry and consumers together to discuss the way forward. She said I am concerned that so many young people who are frequent users of personal music players and mobile phones at high acoustic levels may be unknowingly damaging their hearing irreversibly. She added The scientific findings indicate a clear risk and we need to react rapidly. Most importantly we need to raise consumer awareness and We need also to look again at the controls in place to make sure they are effective and keep pace with new technology.
SOURCE:
http://www.articlemonkeys.com/Art/340/88/Ipods-Bring-Hearing-Risks.html
Meglena Kuneva, the EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner, said We need to look again at the controls in place, in the light of this scientific advice, to make sure they are fully effective and keep pace with new technology. The committee found that more than a million Britons could go deaf because they listen to their music too loud and too long. Users who listen for more than an hour a day for five years could risk deafness and that means millions could lose their hearing because they are not prepared to stop listening to their music in this way.
The study shows that music pumped into the ears above 89 decibels for long periods of time is actually louder than that currently allowed in factories. Emma Harrison, head of campaigns at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said Decision makers and opinion formers are finally waking up to the hearing loss time bomb threatening many young MP3 users. The Royal National institute has now started a Don't Lose the Music campaign, which raises awareness of the dangers of listening to MP3 players too loudly. Research by the Institute found that 58 per cent of 16 to 30 year olds were completely unaware of any risk to their hearing from MP3 players, and campaigners now want to see the Government and industry taking decisive action to save the hearing of future generations.
EU consumer affairs commissioner Meglena Kuneva said a conference early next year would bring governments, the music industry and consumers together to discuss the way forward. She said I am concerned that so many young people who are frequent users of personal music players and mobile phones at high acoustic levels may be unknowingly damaging their hearing irreversibly. She added The scientific findings indicate a clear risk and we need to react rapidly. Most importantly we need to raise consumer awareness and We need also to look again at the controls in place to make sure they are effective and keep pace with new technology.
SOURCE:
http://www.articlemonkeys.com/Art/340/88/Ipods-Bring-Hearing-Risks.html
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