RNID welcomes move by Apple to set volume cap for the
iPod
Editor: RNID, the UK's largest charity representing deaf and hard of
hearing people, has issued a press release applauding Apple for
releasing software that allows iPod users to set an upper volume limit.
I haven't seen a similar statement from any of the US hearing loss
organizations. Those are hopefully in the works!
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RNID - the UK's largest charity representing the 9 million deaf and
hard of hearing people - today welcomes a move by Apple to introduce a
software update that will allow iPod users to set an upper volume limit
on the latest generations of the device.
RNID's Don't Lose the Music Campaign (http://www.dontlosethemusic.com)
has been warning personal stereo users for some time that they could be
risking long term damage to their hearing by turning up the volume to
levels that could cause permanent hearing loss.
Brian Lamb, Director of Communications, RNID said: "RNID is
delighted that Apple have responded to our Don't Lose the Music Campaign
by allowing iPod users to reduce the upper volume limits and we would
urge other manufacturers of personal music players to follow suit.
"Although we are encouraged by this move, there is still much
more work to be done to educate both manufacturers as well as music
lovers of the potential dangers of listening to personal music players
too loudly. The Don't Lose the Music Campaign has already been raising
awareness of this issue amongst customers, and is now very interested in
working with manufacturers to ensure that warnings regarding the risk of
listening to MP3 players too loudly are made more prominent both on and
in the packaging of their products."
Angela King, Senior Audiologist, RNID adds: "There is a danger
that long-term use of personal music players at high volume will
permanently damage people' s hearing. RNID's Don't Lose the Music
Campaign is urging people to be aware of the risks so they can continue
to enjoy music for longer. Noise filters for in-ear headphones are
available from many high street stores and regular breaks should be
taken from listening."
She adds: "If you're worried that you may already have some
hearing loss, you can call RNID's new telephone hearing check on 0845
600 5555"
The Don't Lose the Music Campaign doesn't want to discourage people
from listening to personal stereos and enjoying music and offers the
following guidelines for safer listening:
- Take regular breaks from your headphones to give your ears a rest.
- Turn down the volume a notch - even a small reduction in volume can
make a big difference to the risk of damage to your hearing.
- Avoid using the volume to drown out background noise, for example the
sound of the train or traffic (find out about additions to in-ear
headphones that help with this problem
