Like listening to music on your mobile device? You might want to turn down the volume
If there is one thing mobile technology has done for us, it has changed the way we buy and listen to music. At some point during a given day, you are bound to see someone jamming to some tunes on their mobile device, using snazzy little earbuds, big fat Beats type headphones, and everything in between.
Most of those at risk are in developed markets, like the United States and Europe, where personal audio devices (like iPods) and smartphones are pervasive enough to present the strongest risk. Around the rest of the world, another 40% are exposed to dangerous volumes through live concert venues and clubs.
To give you a frame of reference, the noise during rush hour in an urban area can reach 85 decibels. However, it is in other areas where the risk of hearing loss presents itself too, like sports stadiums. Vuvuzela wind instruments can generate noise over 120 decibels. It takes only 9 seconds for that type of sound intensity to cause hearing damage.
The WHO recommends that you listen to your favorite jams at reduced volumes, and if possible, limit use to an hour per day. The volume recommendation we can get behind, some folks just need their music all the time though. The WHO also advocates governments play an active role in developing and enforcing noise ordinances in public places.
sources: AFP via Yahoo! News
Things that are NOT allowed: