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Contact: Brendan Cosgrove at (847) 491-5753 or b-cosgrove@northwestern.edu

Dean Garstecki on "Possible Perils of mp3 Player Headphones"

December 14, 2005

Some of the most popular gift items this Christmas are mp3 players such as Apple?s iPod. Dean Garstecki is a professor of communication sciences and disorders at Northwestern University and says the type of headphones that typically come with mp3 players are problematic?and may increase the likelihood of hearing loss later in life? GARSTECKI: Insert earphones can boost the signal by as much as six to nine decibels. That?s about the difference between the sound of a vacuum cleaner and a motorcycle. It?s a significant difference. Garstecki says the large amount of storage space for music on mp3 players is also a problem? GARSTECKI: Not only do you have a signal that is likely to be more intense, you?re likely to be using this device longer than people have been using CD players and walkmans in the past. And so this also increases the likelihood of hearing loss down the road?not immediately. Garstecki says listening constantly to certain genres of music may increase the likelihood of hearing loss? GARSTECKI: Rap music and rock music tend to be played at the highest signal output levels. Jazz and classical music and country music are often played at a lower output level. So, it is the case that you are more likely to experience some loss if you?re into rap and rock music. Garstecki has some advice for parents who may be purchasing mp3 players for their children as Christmas gifts? GARSTECKI: Limit the amount of time it?s used each day to approximately an hour?maybe a little more..and set the volume wheel on the iPod at about a level of six or below.

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12/14/2005

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