Dutch study: Teens, MP3 players, and hearing loss

William Atkins
Monday, 29 June 2009 18:42

Science - Health

The researchers found that that frequency of use and loudness of the music both had consequences to teen users of MP3 players.

The results are:

•    90% of the students listened to music through earphones on their MP3 players.

•    32.8% were classified as “frequent” users of MP3 players.

•    48.0% used “high volume” settings while listening to music on MP3 players.

•    6.8% always or nearly always used a “noise-limiter” while listening to MP3 music.

The researchers found that frequent users were four (4) times more likely to listen to high-volume music than were infrequent users.

And, they found that teenagers in pre-vocational (trade) schools were over twice (2) as likely to listen to high-volume music as those attending pre-university (college) schools.

According to their paper, the researchers concluded, “When using MP3 players, adolescents are very likely to engage in risky listening behaviors and are unlikely to seek protection. Frequent MP3 player use is an indicator of other risky listening behaviors, such as listening at high volumes and failing to use noise-limiters.”

For more information on hearling loss associated with MP3 players, please read the WedMD article, by Tom Valec, “The MP3 Generation: At Risk for Hearing Loss? (Experts discuss the possible risk to hearing from listening to MP3s for long periods of time.)"

The article begins by saying, “Loud rock music contributed to hearing loss among baby boomers, but MP3 players are poised to make the problem much worse for the next generation.”