MP3 players, iPods and other personal music players are a big part of our lives. We use them at the gym, on the bus, when we walk ... and most people have one. But what about the concern some people have expressed about potential hearing loss from using these devices?

Depending on the type of MP3 player and its earphone design, users can get noise levels in the 120 decibel range. This is like the sound made by a jet going down the runway. What can it do to you? According to experts, noise at this level can cause loss of hearing and tinnitus (a sound made inside your ear like continuous ringing or a high pitched whining, electric, buzzing, hissing, screaming, humming, etc.). The damaging effects of noise double with every threedecibel increase.

Consider this — Ontario Health and Safety regulations require workers to wear hearing protection if they have to work all day in noise levels that exceed 85 decibels.

Good news, hearing loss is preventable.

Many people set their MP3 volume high to drown out irritating background noise. Instead of cranking up the volume, try using sound-isolating earphones or noise-cancelling headphones. Keep in mind that the "ear buds" supplied with most players fit inside the ear canal vs. headphones that cover the outer ear … so you will have to adjust the volume accordingly.

Manufacturers suggest you don't exceed the two-thirds point on the column control and limit your listening to only one hour per day ... if you use the standard ear buds. They claim that good headphones can actually allow you to hear more details in the music at lower volume settings, especially when you cancel out the background noise.

Ultimately it is our responsibility to protect our own hearing ... so remember to "TURN IT DOWN!" so we will always be able to listen to the music.

For more information on this topic, check out:

- The Alberta Hearing Loss Clinic — hearingloss.ca/mp3-players-hearing-loss.html

- The Mayo Clinic - tinyurl.com/lowerthevolume Fanshawe College Health and Safety Services in D1021 (or call 519-452-4424)