Go To Latest Video ReviewsEU Claims 10% of MP3 Player Owners RISK HEARING LOSS!
| Author | Gordon Kelly |
| Published | 14th Oct 2008 |
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TrustedReviews NewslettersOk, I'm going to make this clear from the off: this is news which gives me an excuse to rant about iPod bundled earphones. If you use them then I suggest this article will damage your hearing...
Jolly European giants the EU have caused something of a stir this week with a report from their 'Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks' (SCENIHR - really!) which claims research shows users who listen to their MP3 players for more than five hours per week at a high volume (89 decibels to be precise) risk permanent hearing loss within five years. Apparently the slice of our populace in this predicament is between five and ten per cent of the entire EU.
"The scientific findings indicate a clear risk and we need to react rapidly," said EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner Meglena Kuneva. "Most importantly we need to raise consumer awareness and put this information in the public domain. We need also to look again at the controls in place, in the light of this scientific advice, to make sure they are fully effective and keep pace with new technology."
Ok, first the calm before the storm: the French famously got the ever popular iPod's maximum volume reduced on such a scare years ago so you'd think this would be less of a problem. Sadly no and here's why: BUNDLED HEADPHONES ARE AN INSULT TO YOUR EARS!
They lack range, fidelity, clarity and just as importantly: leak sound SO BADLY that not only do they drive anyone within 15 feet of you crazy, but you also have to turn your MP3 players up to full volume just to HEAR THEM on the bus or walking down a busy street! WHEN will people learn that a manufacturer spends pence on bundled headphones? They're an afterthought on a device often costing hundreds of pounds, they're the technological equivalent of the lanyard!
So please readers, tell yourselves, tell your friends, scare your elderly relatives if you have to that if you don't become more discerning about what you stick into your ears then you're GOING TO GO DEAF!
Class dismissed...
Link:
Press Release (yep, it keeps the EU tradition of being one uuugly website)
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itsallgonepearshaped said on 15th October 2008
Geoff Richards said on 15th October 2008
That's true - as a sufferer myself, I can report it ain't much fun :(
But you can drown out the high-pitched tone with more tunes :D
mr dog said on 16th October 2008
Just get a creative player, at IFA this year they had some amazing players and headphones on show with noise cancelling built in, if the EU wants to mandate something, as I am sure... more
Gordon said on 16th October 2008
@Peter - agreed. It would allow the players to be sold for a slightly cheaper price and make a huge market for third parties which manufacturers are always trying to encourage ... more
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Its not going deaf that's the problem (Sometimes I think it would be a blessing), its Tinnitus. The possibility of never having a quiet moment again or never being able to con... more