by Daniel Fink, MD, Chair, The Quiet Coalition
This report from New Zealand states that loud music is just as addictive as smoking.
The only quibble I have with the report is that it states that hearing loss begins at an 85 decibel exposure and that 85 decibels is a safe volume limit for children. Neither statement is correct. Both I and the NIOSH Science Blog have written about how the 85 decibel standard is an occupational standard that should not be used a a safe noise exposure standard for the general public.
But the basic premise of the report–that noise exposure from personal music player use by children is causing hearing loss–is sound.
So break the habit, and lower the volume. Your ears will thank you.
