It seems every few days now there are reports from around the world about how teenagers are suffering hearing loss or damage due to the volumes that they are listening to music. It’s usually MP3 players that are seen the as the main culprit too, as opposed the more obvious source of loud music at parties or clubs.

A recent report by the Australian government has shown that Aussie youths are damaging their hearing, again largely due to MP3 players. The report warns that young people are facing permanent hearing problems if they continue to ignore the warnings.

According to the report, two in three Australians have suffered some kind of hearing damage and a staggering 70% of younger people, aged between 18 and 34 have reported ringing their ears.

The report stated:

This may reflect a lifestyle aspect, with younger Australians more likely to attend bars, pubs and listen to music through headphones. Is Australia Listening?

The report went on to say that 76% of Australia’s youth regularly listen to MP3 players with their headphones, and 60% of them have their volume turned up too high.

If people don’t act now and reduce the volume on their MP3 players, they’ll face permanent damage to their hearing.

If it is loud, it can cause damage. and if it does cause you damage, it is permanent.

Our rule of thumb is if people have to raise their voice or actually shout at you to make themselves understood while you are listening to music in your ears, then that is loud enough to be potentially damaging.