Health and Safety
Health and Safety 175
phones, at high volume settings for long durations may lead to permanent noise-
induced hearing loss. This includes the use of headphones (including headsets,
earbuds, and Bluetooth
®
or other wireless devices). Exposure to very loud sound
has also been associated in some studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear),
hypersensitivity to sound, and distorted hearing. Individual susceptibility to
noise-induced hearing loss and potential hearing problem varies. Additionally,
the amount of sound produced by a portable audio device varies depending on
the nature of the sound, the device settings, and the headphones that are used.
As a result, there is no single volume setting that is appropriate for everyone or
for every combination of sound, settings, and equipment.
You should follow some common sense recommendations when using any
portable audio device:
•Alwaysturnthevolumedownbeforepluggingtheearphonesintoanaudio
source.
•Setthevolumeinaquietenvironmentandselectthelowestvolumeat
which you can hear adequately.
•Beawarethatyoucanadapttohighervolumesettingsovertime,not
