RNID issues warning over too-loud music players

Helping to pass the time by listening to music in the office or on the daily commute could be harming our shell-likes beyond repair, according to a warning issued by the RNID this week.

A worrying two-thirds of MP3-wielding users surveyed by the institute were found to be enjoying tunes at a volume of more than 85 decibels which is more than enough to cause permanent hearing damage over time, according to the World Health Organisation.

More than half (54 per cent) of those surveyed in a spot-check survey of shoppers spanning eight UK cities admitted to listening to music on their devices at seriously worrying high volumes for periods above the recommended guidance for daily exposure.

"Our research found people around the country are listening to their MP3 players at unbelievably high levels, with more than one in five blasting their ears with sound levels of 100 decibels or more the equivalent of hearing a pneumatic drill 10 feet away! One MP3 user was listening at 118 decibels for one hour each day, a volume they shouldn't be exposed to for more than 11 seconds per day," said Emma Harrison, the RNID's of external affairs, in a statement.

"Many music lovers, already running the risk of damage through listening to their MP3 players too highly, will be partying to even more loud music during the festive season, completely oblivious to the danger to their hearing. With more people receiving MP3 players as Christmas gifts, it's essential they're aware of the risk and be able to make informed choices and take the steps to protect their hearing so they can enjoy music for longer."

To help limit the possibility of hearing damage, the RNID is recommending that listeners take a five-minute break from listening every hour, invest in noise-cancelling or sound-isolating headphones and steer clear of speakers or invest in ear plugs when out and about in noisy music-filled social environments.