Young Adults’ Use and Output Level Settings of Personal Music Systems

• DOI: 10.1097/aud.0b013e31817e7409
• Publication Date: 2008-08-27T07:21:18Z
• Authors: Peter Torre
• Keywords: Personal computer

There are growing concerns over noise exposure via personal music system use by young adults. One purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and listening patterns associated with these systems in a large sample A second measure dB SPL ear canal adults while they blindly set volume four settings.In first study, survey completed 1016 students at various locations on San Diego State University campus. Questions included sex, age, ethnicity, race, whether or not used system. Students who answered Yes using were instructed complete remaining 11 closed-set questions. These questions dealt type earphones system, most common environment, length time per day used, setting. The differences between women men across ethnicity race evaluated for In probe microphone placed 32 participants determine loudness categories which level system: low, medium comfortable, loud, very loud.In 1, 90% reported Over 50% those 1 3 hrs almost either loud volume. Men significantly more likely report their longer duration compared trend Hispanic Latino durations Not students, but difference statistically significant. Black African American 5 than other racial groups. 2, mean values 62.0, 71.6, 87.7, 97.8 SPL, respectively. higher women.It is clear that vast majority listen earphones. Most respondents Based measurement results, settings may be hazardous hearing. Long-term systems, however, combination exposures (i.e., recreational, occupational), effect hearing remains question additional research.