Top tips: Using MP3 players safely
19 August 2008
Our research shows that too many people are putting their hearing at risk by listening to their MP3 player too loudly and for too long. There are simple ways to reduce your risk.
Our top tips include:
- Always use the noise limiter on your MP3 player
- Parents should look for a locking feature on the player and use it to set the maximum volume using a special code
- Check that your player is not one with a maximum volume that exceeds statutory and Health & Safety limits - see the Which? website for details
- Adopt the 60:60 rule - only use your MP3 player at 60% of its maximum volume for 60 minutes a day
- Never have your MP3 player so loud that you can’t hear the noise around you
- Never have it so loud that those around you can hear your music!
- Ear bud headphones are less efficient at drowning out background noise so it’s tempting to turn up the volume. Use the older muff-type or noise cancelling headphones instead
For more tips on minimising damage from day to day and leisure activities go to Tips on how to minimise noise damage from everyday activities.
