Is My iPod Bad for My Health? Risks and Cautions to Protect Your Hearing

In today’s world, it’s not uncommon to see folks running, shopping, riding the subway, driving, and working with their earbud headphones firmly jammed in their ears, the sounds of the outside world drowned out by loud music. While a bit of audio may be preferable to the sounds of cars, jackhammers, telephones, or people talking, is it possible that by tuning out we are harming our health?

It’s in the Ears

Most of us are aware that using a cell phone while driving, crossing a busy street, or engaging in some other important activity increases our risk of being distracted and of potentially hurting ourselves or others. In the U.S., numerous states have declared driving while on a cell phone to be illegal, citing distraction levels nearly equivalent to those with being impaired by alcohol.

The same might be said of iPods and MP3 players. When your attention becomes focused on what is happening inside your head—or if you get caught up scrolling through your music—you’re probably not driving safely, which can lead to serious consequences.

Listening to audio, especially at loud levels, can also damage your ears. According to a press release issued by Europa, the online home of the European Union, scientific research has shown that listening to MP3 players at high volume over a sustained period of time can lead to permanent hearing loss. In Europe, it is estimated that up to 10 percent of MP3 listeners (about 10 million people) that use the devices for an hour or more each day at high volume (above 89 decibels) are at risk of permanent hearing loss.

“I am concerned that so many young people, in particular, who are frequent users of personal music players and mobile phones at high acoustic levels, may be unknowingly damaging their hearing irrevocably,” said Meglena Kuneva, EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner. “The scientific findings indicate a clear risk and we need to react rapidly.”

In the U.S., there has been little government action, but that doesn’t mean the issue has gone unexplored. For example, in 2006 there was at least one lawsuit filed related to iPods and hearing loss. In another instance, Marshalls Aerospace, a major aircraft manufacturer, banned the use of all iPods, MP3 players and personal radios at work. The company believes that staff using these personal audio devices may claim that potential hearing damage was caused while at work and sue the company for failing to protect them. The company in its statement to employees also noted safety concerns when people are distracted by music.

Listening Safely

Though this is as much an issue for adults as kids, the website More4Kids.info has some practical advice on how to use personal audio devices safely:

• Volume Level – Music played above 80 decibels can potentially damage hearing. Exposure to sounds above 90 decibels for long periods can cause hearing loss. The maximum volume of an iPod, notes the website, is 120 decibels, which is equivalent to a jet taking off.

• Type of Headphone – The earbud headphones primarily used with MP3 players are placed directly in the ear, which may increase the intensity of the sound hitting the ear. Use these headphones at lower volume levels or switch to a less intrusive set of headphones.

• Length of Time – MP3 players and iPods allow listeners to be connected to their music and other audio recordings for hours at a time. The key is not to feel like to you have to limit the length of time you listen to music, but rather the volume. Lower volume will not harm your hearing. However, if you like your music loud, limit the length of time you listen to it.