This morning, while on the train, I heard music playing in the background. Not a big deal right? Well, I was wearing earbuds and listening to NPR on my mp3 player. Making matters worse, the music I was hearing was come from someone else’s headphones.

I have no idea how loud the volume was set on the noise offender’s iPod, but suffice it to say, they are losing their hearing. I realize that many of you reading this like to hear your music loud. And to be able to hear the tunes while working out requires the volume be hiked up. But, there is a safe limit and anyone who exceeds this limit is at serious risk of losing their hearing. Considering that hearing loss can be irreversible, why risk it?

What is a safe volume? That depends on the mp3 player, the music recording and the headphones or earbuds. A rule of thumb is to keep the volume level set in the lower half, though, dependent on multiple factors, even setting the volume at half might be too loud. Higher dollar headphones and earbuds will allow you to play music at lower volumes, so you should consider ditching the earbuds that came with your iPod and upgrade. There are plenty of options in the $100-$300 range, which is a small price to pay when you consider the alternative of losing your hearing.

I realize that I come off as some old ninny yelling “turn that rock music of”, but rest assured, tonight when I workout, I will be listening to the White Stripes.

-Charles
Publisher, NetSweat.com