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The widely circulated Zogby poll commissioned by ASHA found that more than half of high school students surveyed reported at least one symptom of hearing loss. These students are using iPods, MP3 players and portable DVD players at high-volume settings. This poll was based on a national telephone survey. While there is concern about these effects, there is little evidence that users will change the way in which they use these devices. It appears too early to document the audiometric and audiologic effects of heavy use of these devices but studies will certainly appear in the future.
Some manufacturers of these devices, threatened with lawsuits for causing hearing loss in some users, are now offering sound-limiting hardware that turn out sound pressure levels of 60 dB-l20 dB. However, these output levels are controlled by the users of the device, who sets the level online at their discretion. Since hearing problems with these devices are caused, in part, by the high levels at which they are used, it is most unlikely that purchasers of the device, particularly young adults, will set the level at a "safe" point, e.g., 85 dB. Audiologists need to be aware that these controls may avoid legal action but will not prevent hearing loss and tinnitus among the users. Monitoring and counseling by a licensed, certified audiologist are essential.
Maurice Miller
Forest Hills, NY
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