iDeaf presents a drumming dilemma

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By Rafaella Cuff

It has been forewarned that there will be a generation plagued with high rates of hearing impairments - the iPod generation. Yes, those spiffy little mp3 players and other sound playing devices are being blamed for causing deafness among their customers, so much so that it has become the next fashionable medical injury lawsuit. Now, companies are warning their customers of the risks, but many are not paying heed.

Obviously, mp3 players, themselves, do not cause deafness, but listening to them extensively at top volume might lead to some hearing complications. Of course, that is true of any loud sound (meaning that the negative result of cranking up your stereo at top notch may not be just the wrath of the neighbours). Many hearing experts recommend that ear plugs should be used when attending concerts, but that ruins the whole point of attending the concerts of your favorite bands. Realistically, there is some noise damage that will not be avoided, but there is some that can - by controlling everyday devices such as mp3 players, televisions, stereos, laptops, etc.

The point of this column is not to judge whether or not mp3 players and other devices are to blame for deafness; rather, it is to provide some helpful tips to prevent its readers from becoming hearing impaired. According to macworld.com, 'noise' is the most common cause of hearing loss. The article further states that the noise capacity of the iPod is around 100 decibels, exceeding the 85 decibel red zone.

Obviously, listening to music at 100 decibels does not mean that you will go deaf. However, those who are regularly listening to their mp3 players, car stereos, or televisions at high volume run the risk of hearing damage.

First of all, some companies like Apple have become aware of the problem and allow for noise capping software updates, so anyone who has the tendency to just put their mp3 player at top volume should look into downloading this software. For students with money in their pockets, a hearing threat detector can be purchased, alerting its owner of dangerous noise levels. But the greatest protection from becoming deaf is perhaps common sense.

Anyone who is planning to listen to their mp3 player, or other sound device, for an extended period of time should lower the volume. Definitely don't keep it at top level. Multiple sources recommend that listeners should not play their mp3s at a volume level above the 60-70% range, especially if they are planning to listen for an extended period of time. Many don't realize how loud they are actually playing music, which can also make them susceptible to external risks: such as being robbed or preventing them from noticing a car when crossing the road.

The problem with hearing damage caused by noise is that it is currently irreparable. The damage is permanent, and the heavy use of these noise devices at high volumes is extremely common because many people, both young and old, do not address the hearing risks caused by these devices. Hearing aids are not cheap, so avoiding them now can save a lot of time, money, and pain later.

Originally Published: Issue 863 - February 3, 2010

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