FRESH evidence has emerged that music lovers are risking permanent hearing loss as a result of using their MP3 players at "dangerously loud levels".
More than half of those tested were found to be using their personal music players at levels above the maximum 90 decibels allowed by noise at work regulations, a new survey has found.
Such noise levels, equal to a chainsaw, would require an emplo
yer to provide hearing protection if it occurred in the workplace. One person was found to be using his music player at 115 decibels for around three hours a day, even though exposure at that level should be restricted to 18 seconds.
The survey was carried out by environmental health officials from Edinburgh City Council among 60 people of all ages passing through the St James Centre.
They found that 68% of users were playing their music at above the lower noise at work guideline of 85 decibels and 53% were above the 90 decibel maximum.
Steve Williamson, the council's noise team manager, said:
"We saw a lot of middle-aged people with headphones, which is a relatively recent phenomenon, not just young people.
"What it means is that more and more people than ever before are being exposed to loud noise for longer and longer periods.
"The problem with hearing is that it is not like an injury, it doesn't heal itself. Once it is damaged it is gone forever. As a general rule I would say that if someone taps you on the shoulder on the bus or train to ask you to turn your music down, then it is too loud."
Councillor Robert Aldridge, the council's environment spokesman, said: "We all need to be aware of the damage that can be caused to our hearing by excessive loud noise.
"This research by our environmental health team revealed worrying evidence that some people are playing their music at dangerously loud levels.
"In order to protect their hearing and avoid the risk of partial or even total deafness in later life, music lovers of all ages should try to make sure they keep their stereo at a safe volume."
More than 8.5 million MP3 players were sold last year in the UK.
