Turn Down the Volume

Regarding the February 1, 2006 Lawsuit Filed Against Apple...

ASHA's focus is on the safe usage of new technologies and its message remains the same as it has been for some time: namely, that after a certain decibel level, noise - be it from new technologies or anything else - can cause hearing loss. Consumer education needs to occur with regard to these technologies, so that the chances become greater that people will enjoy them at safe levels.

Does ASHA believe that companies like Apple are acting responsibly?

Such companies have a great opportunity right now to join with ASHA in its public education efforts regarding the safe usage of these products. ASHA would welcome the chance to work with them in this important regard, especially with respect to reaching out to young people. Because many ASHA members are based in schools all across the country, they are in a great position the spread the word about safe usage among youth.

Does ASHA foresee more lawsuits?

That remains to be seen. Certainly in the long run more public education would serve to reduce the chances of them.

Does ASHA support putting warning labels and regulators on these new technologies?

ASHA believes that the key is public education, which can take many forms and often needs to in order to be effective. It plans to continue its public education efforts and would welcome the opportunity to work with companies to further them.