229You should follow some common sense recommendations whenusing any portable audio device:• Always turn the volume down before plugging the earphones into anaudio source.• Set the volume in a quiet environment and select the lowest volume atwhich you can hear adequately.• Be aware that you can adapt to higher volume settings over time, notrealizing that the higher volume may be harmful to your hearing.• When using headphones, turn the volume down if you cannot hear thepeople speaking near you or if the person sitting next to you can hearwhat you are listening to.• Do not turn the volume up to block out noisy surroundings. If youchoose to listen to your portable device in a noisy environment, usenoise-cancelling headphones to block out background environmentalnoise. By blocking background environment noise, noise cancellingheadphones should allow you to hear the music at lower volumes thanwhen using earbuds.• Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less timeis required before you hearing could be affected.• Avoid using headphones after exposure to extremely loud noises, suchas rock concerts, that might cause temporary hearing loss. Temporaryhearing loss might cause unsafe volumes to sound normal.• Do not listen at any volume that causes you discomfort. If youexperience ringing in your ears, hear muffled speech, or experienceany temporary hearing difficulty after listening to your portable audiodevice, discontinue use and consult your doctor.You can obtain additional information on this subject from thefollowing sources:American Academy of Audiology11730 Plaza American Drive, Suite 300Reston, VA 20190Voice: (800) 222-2336Email: info@audiology.orgInternet: http://www.audiology.org/Pages/default.aspxNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication DisordersNational Institutes of Health31 Center Drive, MSC 2320Bethesda, MD 20892-2320Email: nidcdinfo@nih.govInternet: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/
