Does Earphone Type Affect Risk for Recreational Noise-induced Hearing Loss?

Background Over the past year, considerable media attention has been given to the potential risk of hearing loss associated with the use of portable music players. A study of output levels of portable compact disc (CD) players (Fligor and Cox, 2004) suggested recommendations for safer listening level and duration for consumers. Fligor and Cox (2004) also reported in-ear earphones produced higher sound levels than over-the-ear headphones at the same volume control setting. Based on this finding it was recommended that volume control settings and listening durations should be adjusted accordingly. A report at this conference on output levels of mp3 players (Portnuff and Fligor) describes similar findings, updated for the current generation of technology.