Menu
05/09/2006
RNID calls for MP3 warnings
The Royal National Institute for the Deaf has called on the manufacturers of MP3 players to include warnings on the dangers of listening to music too loudly on their products.
The announcement follows the publication of research which showed that 58% of 16 to 30-year-olds are unaware that there is any risk to their hearing from using MP3 players and other audio products that attach directly to the ears.
The RNID also found that 79% of respondents from the same age group said that they had never seen warnings on the outside of the packaging of MP3 players.
The charity said that it believed that manufacturers of MP3 players had a responsibility to their customers to alert them to the potential dangers of listening to their products at hight volumes.
They have launched a campaign, the 'Don't Lose The Music Week', to highlight the problem.
Dr John Low, RNID Chief Executive said: "We know that young people are at risk from losing their hearing prematurely by listening to loud music for too long on MP3 players. MP3 player manufacturers have a responsibility to make their customers aware of the risks and the need to listen at sensible levels and we urge them to incorporate prominent warnings into the packaging of their products.
"New technology and ever-increasing storage capacity enables people to listen non-stop for hours - and at louder volumes than ever before. If you are regularly plugged in, it is only too easy to clock up noise doses that could damage their hearing forever.
"It's clear that young people are not only shockingly unaware of any risk to their hearing, but also that manufacturers aren't yet doing enough to warn people."
The RNID has advised music fans to take simple steps to protect their hearing whenever they listen to music. These include:
(KMcA/SP)
The announcement follows the publication of research which showed that 58% of 16 to 30-year-olds are unaware that there is any risk to their hearing from using MP3 players and other audio products that attach directly to the ears.
The RNID also found that 79% of respondents from the same age group said that they had never seen warnings on the outside of the packaging of MP3 players.
The charity said that it believed that manufacturers of MP3 players had a responsibility to their customers to alert them to the potential dangers of listening to their products at hight volumes.
They have launched a campaign, the 'Don't Lose The Music Week', to highlight the problem.
Dr John Low, RNID Chief Executive said: "We know that young people are at risk from losing their hearing prematurely by listening to loud music for too long on MP3 players. MP3 player manufacturers have a responsibility to make their customers aware of the risks and the need to listen at sensible levels and we urge them to incorporate prominent warnings into the packaging of their products.
"New technology and ever-increasing storage capacity enables people to listen non-stop for hours - and at louder volumes than ever before. If you are regularly plugged in, it is only too easy to clock up noise doses that could damage their hearing forever.
"It's clear that young people are not only shockingly unaware of any risk to their hearing, but also that manufacturers aren't yet doing enough to warn people."
The RNID has advised music fans to take simple steps to protect their hearing whenever they listen to music. These include:
- Turning it down slightly - even a small damage in volume could massively lessen the damage to the ears
- If you can hear sound from your headphones from two or three feet away, they are probably too loud
- Take a five minute rest period for every hour of listening to allow ears to recover
- Stand away from loud speakers when in pubs and clubs or at gigs and concerts
- Take regular breaks from the dance floor in pubs and clubs and use chillout areas to give ears a rest from loud music
- Wear earplugs specially designed for use in clubs and gigs, especially those people who are regularly exposed to loud music, such as frequent clubbers or gig-goers, DJs and musicians
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 July 2006
Mobiles and MP3 players blamed for rise in street crime
A rise in the number of people carrying mobile phones and MP3 players is being blamed for a rise in street crimes according to the latest home office figures. The figures showed muggings and robberies in England and Wales shot up by 8 per cent. According to police figures 98,204 robberies happened in 2005/6 compared with 90,747 the previous year.
Mobiles and MP3 players blamed for rise in street crime
A rise in the number of people carrying mobile phones and MP3 players is being blamed for a rise in street crimes according to the latest home office figures. The figures showed muggings and robberies in England and Wales shot up by 8 per cent. According to police figures 98,204 robberies happened in 2005/6 compared with 90,747 the previous year.
16 January 2006
Theft prevention scheme targets teens
Young people are being urged to keep valuable possessions such as mobile phones and MP3 players safe, as the government launches a national anti-robbery week.
Theft prevention scheme targets teens
Young people are being urged to keep valuable possessions such as mobile phones and MP3 players safe, as the government launches a national anti-robbery week.
16 March 2010
Paedophile Used MP3 Player
A paedophile who kept images on his MP3 player as well as two computers has received a suspended sentence. The 18-year-old, who was a juvenile when he committed the offences, was found in possession of 50 stills and 26 movies, some of which were graded 'level five' - the worst in severity.
Paedophile Used MP3 Player
A paedophile who kept images on his MP3 player as well as two computers has received a suspended sentence. The 18-year-old, who was a juvenile when he committed the offences, was found in possession of 50 stills and 26 movies, some of which were graded 'level five' - the worst in severity.
26 February 2007
US court finds against Microsoft in MP3 patent violation
Microsoft has been slapped with a $1.52bn fine following a US ruling that it was in violation of patents held by French company Alcatel-Lucent. The Federal District Court finding in favour of Alcatel-Lucent could have far reaching consequences with potentially hundreds of firms that use the MP3 format technology.
US court finds against Microsoft in MP3 patent violation
Microsoft has been slapped with a $1.52bn fine following a US ruling that it was in violation of patents held by French company Alcatel-Lucent. The Federal District Court finding in favour of Alcatel-Lucent could have far reaching consequences with potentially hundreds of firms that use the MP3 format technology.
19 January 2005
Report reveals massive rise in music downloads
A report into the digital music market has revealed that the popularity of downloading music from the Internet is increasing rapidly.
Report reveals massive rise in music downloads
A report into the digital music market has revealed that the popularity of downloading music from the Internet is increasing rapidly.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
