iPod's Headphones Cause Hearing Loss

The popular iPod may be doing more harm than good, especially to the hearing of the user, doctors say. According to Christine Albertus, an audiologist with the Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield, Wisconsin, iPod users should limit their use of the device to two hours or less per day.

The problem lies in the in-ear headphones Apple offers for the device. Before, music blasted from the speakers of their home audio systems. With the advent of the Walkman, the sound moved closer to the ear through muff-style headphones.

Now, with the iPod and other MP3 players, sound is now pumped directly into the ear, which is a potential health issue. "We're moving sound closer and closer. It's really increasing pressure on the ear," Albertus said.

Hearing damage can also accumulate, says Albertus. Even at reasonable levels, damage can occur after continuous listening. This problem is becoming prevalent in today's youth. "Fast forward, and they may be hearing aid candidates by the time they're in their early 40s," she said.

A medical journal recently estimated that as many as one out of every eight children already have noise-induced hearing loss. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety & Health Administration guidelines indicate listening to noise at a level of 80 decibels -- roughly the level of heavy traffic or a noisy resturant -- for eight hours can cause damage.

Take that up to 100 decibels -- the level of factory machinery, a nightclub, or a snowmobile -- and even one or two hours can cause damage, Albertus says.

To prevent hearing loss, Albertus recommends practicing "hearing conservation." This means wearing earplugs or noise-reducing earmuffs in situations were persistent loud noise is an issue.

"Realize what causes hearing loss and use common sense. If you're exposed to loud sounds, use ear protection," she said.