Safe Listening Levels for IPod’s


The popular IPods have provoked many questions about potential damage while listening to them. Parents are worried. Teenagers feel invulnerable.

 

The fact that noise over a period of time will permanently damage hearing is well documented. WorkSafe BC (WCB) has for many years had recommendations about how long workers can be exposed to loud noise without causing damage. A study documenting recommended maximum IPod volume levels related to listening times/ day has been completed by two researchers at the University of Colorado and Children’s Hospital in Boston.

 

 

The following table is a guideline for listening times before damage occurs to your hearing.

 

 

% of volume control Earbud Isolator Supra-Aural Stock Earphones
10 - 15% No Limit No Limit No Limit No Limit
60% No Limit 14 Hours No Limit 18 Hours
70 % 6 hours 3.4 hours 20 hours 4.6 hours
80% 1.5 hours 50 minutes 4.9 hours 1.2 hours
90% 22 minutes 12 minutes 1.2 hours 18 minutes
100% 5 minutes 3 minutes 18 minutes 5 minutes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most people with IPods are using the stock earphones which come with them. The authors go on to say that individuals have varying tolerance for loud sounds before hearing loss occurs. For individuals with 'tough' ears, these recommendations will be conservative but for those with 'tender' ears, the recommendations will not eliminate the risk. There is no way of determining who has 'tough' or 'tender' ears. Hearing loss occurs slowly and is often not noticed until it is quite extensive, so early prevention is the key.

 

If you would like more details, the authors have published more details on their website.


If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Jencam