Potential health risks of exposure to noise from personal music ...

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Health risks from exposure to noise from personal music playerscaution, this allowable time can be calculated by using the equal energy rule and the 3dB exchange rate as described in the background. Assuming that an average PMP userlistens for 7 hours per week (1 hour/day), this would exceed the Noise at WorkRegulations if the sound level for the PMP exceeded 89 dB(A). However, since thesedevices have been introduced in the market only very recently, there is inevitablyinsufficient population data on hearing impairment. In assessing the likelihood of hearingloss, consideration of other environmental sources of high level sound emissions need tobe taken into account.As for non-auditory effects of sound exposure from PMPs, no level of noise emissionsafeguarding the health could be established so far.Answer 2b, priority issues for further research:In the face of an increasing population at risk of hearing loss and tinnitus due to i)increasing PMPs use and acceptance in the EU and ii) the possibility to use PMPs at highsound levels, there is a lack of data concerning:a) the current PMP use pattern, duration, output level, choice of loud levels and exposureof users to other high level sound sources.b) the contribution of loud sounds to hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as cognitive andattention deficits in children and young people.c) long-term studies using more sensitive hearing impairment measures to assess theimpact of PMPs on hearing and to identify the potential sub-groups more ‘at risk’ (e.g.children, genetic sub-groups and environmental sub-groups such as those who commuteto work or school in noisy surroundings).d) the biological basis of individual susceptibility to noise and the benefits frompharmacological treatment.e) whether excessive voluntary PMP-listening leads to lasting and irreversible cognitiveand attention deficits after the cessation of the noise.62
Health risks from exposure to noise from personal music players5. COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONInformation about the public consultation has been broadly communicated to nationalauthorities, international organisations, and other stakeholders. The relevant web sitewas opened for comments on 27 June 2008 and the deadline for submission was 27August 2008. In total, 9 contributions were received from which 7 were fromorganisations and 2 from individuals. Of the organisations, 1 was non governmental, 2public authorities, 2 academic institutions and 2 business organisations.In evaluating the responses from the consultation, submitted material has only beenconsidered for revision of the opinion if:1. it is directly referring to the content of the report and relating to the issues thatthe report addresses,2. it contains specific comments and suggestions on the scientific basis of theopinion,3. it refers to peer-reviewed literature published in English, the working language ofthe SCENIHR and the working group,4. it has the potential to add to the preliminary opinion of SCENIHR.Each submission has been carefully considered by the Working Group. Overall, thecomments were of good quality. The report has been revised to take account of relevantcomments and the literature has been updated with relevant publications. The Opinion,however, remained essentially unchanged, but was, in certain respects, clarified by theamendments to the scientific rationale.63
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