Playing iPod Too Loud for Prolonged Period of Time Developing Early Hearing Loss - - Warned by Royal National Institute Dor the Deaf NI

Thousands of young people in Northern Ireland risk developing early hearing loss as a result of playing iPods too loud, a leading charity has warned.

The Royal National Institute for the Deaf NI says listening to music on MP3 players at high volumes for prolonged periods of time is equivalent to listening to a power drill at close range.

In a bid to educate young people on the dangers, the charity will visit schools in the region as part of Noise Action Week to test the volume levels pupils set for their personal music players.

Research for the charity has found that 58% of 16 to 30-year-olds were unaware of any risk to their hearing from the devices.

It is estimated that between 124million and 165 million MP3 players have been sold in the EU.

Experts from the EU’s scientific committee have recommended a default maximum volume setting of 85 decibels, although sound levels inside the ear canal can reach around 120 decibels, as small earphones intensify volume.

RDNI research revealed that two-thirds (66%) of people who listen to music on these devices do so at volumes above the recommended 85db.

The World Health Organisation lists exposure to loud noise as the major avoidable cause of permanent hearing loss worldwide.

RNDI NI spokeswoman Claire Lavery said: “Millions plug in and don’t realise the music they love could be harming them. As a rule of thumb, if you can't hear external noises or it’s uncomfortable to listen to, the music is too loud — so turn it down a few notches.”

The warning comes following a call for more surveys to be conducted into the potentially harmful effects of iPods and MP3 players on young people’s hearing.

Noise Action Week runs from April 26-30.