The earbud-style headphones packaged with iPod and MP3 players can cause serious hearing loss. Earbud headphones that rest inside the ear, can lead to permanent damage after just an hour of high-volume music in the 110-120 decibel range said Dean Garstecki, a Northwestern University professor and audiologist.
"Insert earphones can boost the signal by as much as six to nine decibels. That's about the difference between the sound of a vacuum cleaner and a motorcycle," said Garstecki. "It's a significant difference."
To minimize hearing loss, Garstecki recommends listening no more than an hour of music per day, and/or switching to over-the-ear headphones. Of course, he also recommends turning down the volume on iPods to "6" or lower.
"Insert earphones can boost the signal by as much as six to nine decibels. That's about the difference between the sound of a vacuum cleaner and a motorcycle," said Garstecki. "It's a significant difference."
To minimize hearing loss, Garstecki recommends listening no more than an hour of music per day, and/or switching to over-the-ear headphones. Of course, he also recommends turning down the volume on iPods to "6" or lower.