As recent reports have shown, using your MP3 player with the volume switched up to high for an extended period can severely damage your hearing. This has been proven, and campaigners are lobbying for more understanding and education among MP3 player and iPod users about the dangers of turning the volume too high on their portable audio players.

Deafness Research UK has just released its list of top tips to minimise the risk of damaging your hearing when using your MP3 player, and they urge any MP3 player user to take heed and pay attention to their findings.

According to the CEO of Deafness Research UK, Vivienne Michael:

Our research shows that too many people are putting their hearing at risk by listening to their MP3 player too loudly and for too long. There are simple ways to minimise the likelihood of damage and reduce the risk of hearing problems in later life. Our tips apply to the whole population but we are especially worried about young people, who are generally the heaviest users of MP3s and other mobile music devices - and often the most at risk because they don’t understand the dangers.

The top tips for protecting your hearing when using your MP3 player, according to Deafness Research UK, are:

Always use the noise limiter on your MP3 player

Parents should look for a locking feature on the player and use it to set the maximum volume using a special code

Check that your player is not one with a maximum volume that exceeds statutory and Health & Safety limits - see the Which? website for details

Adopt the 60:60 rule - only use your MP3 player at 60% of its maximum volume for 60 minutes a day

Never have your MP3 player so loud that you can’t hear the noise around you

Never have it so loud that those around you can here your music!

Ear bud headphones are less efficient at drowning out background noise so it’s tempting to turn up the volume. Use the older muff-type or noise cancelling headphones instead

If you listen to your MP3 player too loudly, you’re in danger of damaging your hearing. Ensure that you look after your ears otherwise you won’t be able to enjoy your music for your whole life, whether you use an MP3 player, an iPod or listen to your favourite bands live.