Turn the Volume Down!

A new study suggests that about 90 percent of New York City residents may be at risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure, with MP3 players appearing to be a major culprit. 

While scientists have known that urban environmental noise like loud subway trains jack hammers can damage a person's hearing, new studies are looking at the emerging impact of people's MP3 players/head phones on hearing loss. 

Ten percent of those who used transit were at risk of hearing loss from transit alone, Neitzel said. Also, "nine out of 10 of New Yorkers are at risk of hearing loss when you look at their total noise exposure: MP3 players plus work plus riding transit."

Long story short, TURN THE VOLUME DOWN.  I guess my mother was onto something there.  While people may give you funny stares wear ear plugs when you go to concerts (I promise you should still be able to hear the music).  Some MP3 players will even let you set a maximum volume to help protect your hearing.