MP3 music could be as loud as a jet engine

Music fans are putting their health at risk by listening to music as loud as a jet engine

Health experts are warning that music fans could be risking their health by listening to loud music on MP3 players such as the iPod.

According to the study carried out by Yale University School of Medicine, some players generate volumes as loud as a jet engine and could lead to loss of hearing when used with earphones that fit in the ear.

The news follows recent warnings by the European Commission claiming up to 10% of 30-year-olds will have to wear a hearing device within the next decade because they listen to loud music through earphones.

Research shows that 90% of young people listen to MP3 players, often for several hours a day at full volume.

‘Concern is growing that children and young adults are developing noise-induced hearing loss as a result of over-exposure to amplified music,' says Professor Peter Rabinowitz from Yale University.

‘As with mobile phones, the use of music players has grown faster than our ability to assess their potential health consequences.'

A good rule of thumb while listening to music is if you can't hear someone speaking in a normal voice, the music is too loud.

Some manufacturers like iPod provide a free download on their website that sets a limit on the volume. You can also purchase headphones that limit background noise so you don't have to turn up the music.

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