Users of MP3 Players Heading for Hearing Loss

The Edinburgh investigators found that more than half of those in their study used their players at levels greater than the maximum 90 decibels allowed by workplace-noise rules. Ninety decibels is equivalent to the noise produced by a whirring chainsaw, and would require an employer to provide hearing protectors if it occurred on his premises.

The officials carried out the survey on a random sample of 60 people of all ages passing through the city's St. James Centre mall. They found that 68 percent of listeners had their devices playing at above the lower workplace-noise benchmark of 85 decibels, and 53 percent had them set above the 90 decibel maximum.

 "We saw a lot of middle-aged people with headphones, which is a relatively recent phenomenon - not just young people," said Steve Williamson, the Edinburgh City Council's noise team manager. What it means is that more and more people than ever before are being exposed to loud noise for longer and longer periods.

"The problem with hearing is that it is not like an injury - it doesn't heal itself. Once it is damaged, it is gone forever. As a general rule, I would say that, if someone taps you on the shoulder on the bus or train to ask you to turn your music down, then it is too loud."

 Councillor Robert Aldridge, the city council's environment spokesman, said: "We all need to be aware of the damage that can be caused to our hearing by excessive loud noise. In order to protect [people's] hearing and avoid the risk of partial or even total deafness in later life, music lovers of all ages should try to make sure they keep their stereo at a safe volume."