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Can MP3 players damage your hearing? It's an issue that has audiologists worried.

A growing numbers of people are plugging into their digital music players, pounding their ears with loud music, and putting their hearing at risk. We take a look at whether this is likely to cause future hearing loss, and give advice on how to limit the damage.

We regularly test MP3 players and have found that, when set to maximum volume, most models exceed the safe level recommended by audiologists.

Highlights of this report


Why the concern?


Your ears need a rest from high-decibel sounds. Read more

Causes of deafness


The causes and symptoms of deafness. Read more

Headphones versus earbuds


Which are more likely to cause damage? Read more

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