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Hispanic teens and adults in the U.S. report that they are listening to popular iPod and other MP3 players for longer periods of time and at higher volumes than are all teens and adults according to a new survey released today by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). The poll, conducted by Zogby International, indicates that more than half of US Hispanic teens play their iPod at very loud or somewhat loud levels compared to 41% of all teens.
These findings come despite long standing warnings from hearing experts that permanent hearing loss may result from listening with earphones to personal audio technology at extended periods of time and high volumes. This type of hearing loss, known as noise-induced hearing loss, occurs gradually over time and is often noticed after it is too late.
Looking elsewhere, the poll found more Mexicans than Puerto Ricans typically use the iPod, MP3 players and similar devices for longer periods of time; 72% of Mexican respondents to 69% of Puerto Rican respondents use the devices for 1 to 4 hours and for 4 hours at a time. But Puerto Ricans are much more likely to listen louder, with 60% reporting that they listen to the iPod somewhat loud or very loud compared to only 36% of Mexican respondents.
Key Survey Findings:
- 53% of U.S. Hispanic teens play their iPod at very loud or somewhat loud levels compared to 41% of all teens
- 42% of U.S. Hispanic teens listen to iPod 1-4 hours, compared to 30% of all teens
- 14% of U.S Hispanic teens listen for more than 4 hours compared to 11% of all teens
- U.S. Hispanic adults are less likely to use personal audio technology safely in general
- Significant majorities of U.S. Hispanic teens and adults have not upgraded their earphones
Advice From Audiologists:
- Turn down the volume
- Limit the time listening to player
- Consider upgrading your earbuds to sound isolating earphones
Societal Solution:
- Rigorous scientific study needed on these devices impact on hearing
- Increased public education
- Health experts and manufacturers working together for consumer safety
- Strong prevention message especially to young children (visit www.listentoyourbuds.org)
For more information visit: www.asha.org
Visual Elements include:
Interviews
- Alina Paz, ASHA member, Audiologist and Speech Language Pathologist
- Natalie Fernandez-Roque, ASHA member, Audiologist
- Alex Johnson, (English soundbite) President, ASHA
- Various Hispanic teens and adults talk about their experiences
Animation: Showing damage to hearing from loud noise
B-Roll: Personal stereo systems displayed, people listening to personal stereo systems, audiologist examining patient's ear, patient getting hearing tested, Dr. Fernandez-Roque at work, Alina Paz at work
Para Mas Información o Para Obtener un Entrevista Por favor Comuníquese con Paola Torres al 877-544-8400
Video feed provided by American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
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