[Music through earphones: an underestimated risk].
BACKGROUND
The authors studied exposure to the noise generated by digital music listening devices (MP3) as used by young people.


OBJECTIVE
to study the level of sound emission of some of these devices at 100%, 75% and 50% volume.


METHODS
Using a mannequin, the LeqA, LmaxA, LeqC and the peak in C of nine of the most commonly used devices was measured at levels of sound emission of 100%, 75% and 50%.


RESULTS
It was found that all the devices exceeded 100 dBA of Leq at 100% of the listening volume. We therefore estimated the Lex8, as recommended in Italian Law 195/06, to which these young people are exposed using the devices for 15, 30, and 60 minutes/day.


CONCLUSIONS
Young people undergoing daily exposures for only 15 minutes at maximal listening volume exceed the limit value of daily occupational exposure for workers, which Law 195/06 fixes at 87 dBA.
Cassano
E
E
Università degli Studi di Bari, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Medicina Pubblica, Sezione di Medicina del Lavoro E.C. Vigliani. f.cassano@medlav.uniba.it
Bavaro
P
P
Aloise
Ingrid
I
Bobbio
Elena
E
Renna
Margareth
M
D000162:Acoustics; D000293:Adolescent; D016287:Computer Peripherals; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004867:Equipment Design; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D009146:Music; D010988:Play and Playthings / Q000293:injuries*; D012306:Risk