European Union warns of permanent hearing loss

• 13th Oct 2008

Music lovers have been warned to turn down the volume in their headphones or run the risk of permanent hearing loss

The amount of Europeons listening to headphones at dangerous levels for prolonged periods of time has promted the warning from the Europeon Union. The EU are responsible for limiting noise levels in factories, construction sights and other workplaces.

Over 89 decibels is considered an unsafe volume level but with MP3 players reaching 100 decibels it is no wonder that prolonged exposure is leading to hearing problems.

Hearing loss often happens gradually and without being immediately noticeable. “It's damage that may come back and haunt you later in life,” EU spokeswoman Helen Kearns said.

She also suggested that regulators would look at lowering the EU legal limit of 100 decibels for MP3 players.

Turn it down.