Preserve your hearing!

Question: Can personal music players cause hearing loss?
Answer: Yes, hearing loss from exposure to loud sound (noise induced hearing loss) is on the rise in teens, children and even toddlers. There can be several causes such as MP3 players, power tools and/or loud toys. The key to preserving hearing lies in the relationship between loudness of the sound and length of time one is exposed to the sound. The Occupational Safety and Health Act standard for a safe level of sound is 85 decibels over 8 hours of exposure. As the volume increases, the length of time it is safe to listen decreases.

For example if we are exposed to a level of 91 decibels, it is safe to listen for 2 hours. Most MP3 players have a maximum volume of 103 decibels. At full volume it is safe to listen for 7 and ½ minutes! Limiting exposure is complicated by the additive effect of all exposures to loud sounds through out the day. It all adds up.

For example if someone listens to music at 85 decibels for 8 hours, then mows the lawn (about 91 decibels) for 2 hours, music exposure is no longer safe. Mowing the lawn without hearing protection is the safe exposure for an entire day!

So what can we do?
First, turn the music down and use hearing protection when participating in loud activities. Second, decrease the length of loud activities. As for MP3 players, use noise canceling earphones. Generally if you can hear someone speaking at arms length away the volume is ok. Everyone needs a baseline hearing test especially if exposure to loud sound, in work environment or recreational activity, is part of your lifestyle.

“The number one thing anyone can do to prevent excess hearing loss is to use hearing protection and, for those who have excessive noise exposure, get tested annually”.

if you're a muso and want more info on hearing loss go to http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts/HARTS_library/musnoise.txt 

Vater ear plugs, made by drummers for drummers, will work well to portect your hearing in any type of music performance. If you don't already have plugs be sure to ask for Vater Ear-plugs on your next visit to Marshall Music.