Most teenagers are aware of the dangers of listening to loud music from electronic devices such as the iPods and Mp3 players. However, most of them believe that they cannot be victims of hearing loss. The effects of loud music do not occur immediately, but over an extended period. Hence, to avoid the imminent dangers of continued listening to high volume music, it is crucial to discuss whether the music players should have labels warning about potential hearing loss.
The common music players have the potential to produce loud volumes that have the capability of causing hearing loss, especially after listening over a long period. Research shows that most people use MP3 and iPod play music at high volumes despite being aware of the dangers they expose themselves. The loud music gradually damages the ear structure and this causes tinnitus, which then may lead to loss of hearing (CISION, 2007). According to Anderson (2006), it is important for the manufactures of the iPods and MP3 players to include explicit warning labels on the devices they produce so as to caution the users of the dangers. The labels may also include safe volume levels that are not likely to cause damage to the ear.
Adolescents are the victims of loud music and they are at risks of losing their hearing capability. Despite knowing the dangers connected to music players, adolescents continue to use them without caution. Therefore, all those gadgets, including MP3 and iPod should have warning labels, indicating the potential dangers of loud music as well as the related health risks. The labels will play a significant role in protecting the public by informing those who may not be aware of listening to loud music.
References
CISION (2007). Should warning labels be printed on the Apple iPod and other MP3 players? Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/02/prweb507520.htm
Anderson, N. (2006). British charity wants warning labels on Mp3 players. Retrieved from https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2006/09/7679/