iPod users risk losing hearing
One in 10 people who listen to music on an iPod or other MP3 could permanently lose their hearing, an EU study has revealed.
Scientists say music lovers who listen at high volume for more than one hour per day over five years risk permanent harm.
They say this means 10 million people across Europe could be affected, though given the popularity of Eurovision, would that be a bad thing?
While EU standards restrict the noise level of personal music players to 100 decibels the study found may listen at the maximum volume to block out noise from traffic or public transport.
The EU Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks say between 124 and 165 million people in Europe have bought an MP3 player in the last four years, and many listen at high volumes exceeding 89 decibels.
EU consumer affairs commissioner Meglena Kuneva, said (in a voice loud enough for music listeners to hear): "The scientific findings indicate a clear risk and we need to react rapidly.
"Most importantly we need to raise consumer awareness and put this information in the public domain.
"We need also to look again at the controls in place, in the light of this scientific advice, to make sure they are fully effective and keep pace with new technology," she said.
