June 24, 2008

Bounded by the quips of a handful of youthful MP3 users, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary director of pediatric otolaryngology, Robin Dyleski, MD, underscores the risk of hearing damage posed by the devices in "Once Daily" video posted on MedicalNewsToday.com.

Glib retorts such as "Ooo, it needs to be loud," and "I create that personal space by turning up the volume," are featured in soundbytes taken from on-the-street interviews, but thoughtfully balanced by the serious points made by Dyleski about how lengthy exposure to high output sound can permanently damage cochlear hair cells.

Dyleski also offers suggestions for safer hearing practices, including limiting listening time to 2 hours. An interactive question about MP3 use is included in the video.

—Frank Long