iPod revolution puts hearing at risk

Older adults are increasingly joining the iPod revolution and listening to music when on the go.

However, experts are warning that this could damage hearing.

In a study primarily focusing on the risk that high volumes pose to hearing loss in teenagers, researchers at the Tel Aviv University found that personal listening devices are a serious health hazard.

One in four teens is in danger of early hearing loss as a result of their listening habits, according to Professor Chava Muchnik.

Other sections of the population that consistently listen to music at high volumes are also at risk of hearing damage.

“In 10 or 20 years it will be too late to realize that an entire generation of young people is suffering from hearing problems much earlier than expected from natural aging,” Professor Muchnik stated.

People may not notice the harm they are causing through listening to music at a high volume until years of accumulated damage begins to set in.

To combat the problem, older adults may want to limit how often they use personal listening devices, and ensure that they keep the volume on a low setting.

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