We live in the era of gadgets and connectivity, and whether we’d like to admit it or not, we loved to be plugged in whether it’s our MP3s (which includes iPods) or smartphones, listening to music or watching movies on our tablets and phones. In our busy and often noisy lives, plugging in your headphones can be a great way to escape and enjoy the privacy it gives us.
But we could be doing our hearing a lot of harm.
According to The Hear the World report, a global initiative to raise awareness of hearing problems, from 4,400 people around the world aged 14 to 65, the study revealed that 85 per cent played their music players at more than 50 per cent of total volume.
MP3 players have the ability to blast 104 decibels (dB) straight into the ears – which is equivalent to standing next to a pneumatic drill or jackhammer (110dB).
The research further showed that people are frequently listening to their players at a level that’s too high, and that teenagers are now experiencing the same hearing damage as their parents’ generation but at a much younger age– says the report
And the bigger problem is that many people – especially kids – are not aware of the dangers of loud music.
How do you know when loud is too loud? The simple rule is that if others can hear your music, then it’s probably too loud.
When your hearing is affected you can hear a bit of buzzing when you stop listening to your music.
A good rule of thumb is the 60/60 rule which means you should only listen to music at 60 per cent volume, and you shouldn’t listen for more that 60 minutes in one sitting. Which is not too easy to explain especially to younger kids.
Think about this, you buy a different soap for your kid, a different set of utensils, so why not buy a headphone that is specially made for young children.
I recently attended the launch of OnanOff BuddyPhones a volume-limiting headphone designed specially for kids’ safe listening.
BuddyPhones feature a built-in volume-limiting circuitry that keeps the sound pressure down to levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). BuddyPhones uses a built-in, always-on sound-control circuit to maintain volume levels up to 85 decibels.
Distributed by Mac Power, OnanOff unveiled its Color Your Music” series with new customizable color-in sticker packs. Kids choose how they want to design their headphones and color directly onto the stickers with crayons or markers, and then stick them on the BuddyPhones for a fresh and unique look.
Because volume-limiting doesn’t have to be fun-limiting, the new BuddyPhones “Color Your Music” series can be customized with a variety of decorative stickers and coloring sets. Kids can design their own stickers, or use the five included with purchase, to add their own personal touch. BuddyPhones are also sturdy, yet comfortable, using a durable, bendable headband design that protects against playtime wear-and-tear.
Use the “buddy system” with BuddyPhones’ built-in BuddyCable audio splitter. The little ones can share sound with up to four buddies or parents by plugging a second audio cable into their own – no more fights over the iPad. The adaptor is built-in so it’s never lost or forgotten when you need it most. BuddyPhones also feature a single line-in cable to prevent tangles.
The “Color Your Music” series is perfect for helping kids unleash their creativity as they draw, stick and play. With the included BuddyCable, your little ones won’t have to fight over time with the iPad. At just Php1,383 and Php2,214, the BuddyPhones are the perfect gift for your budding artist or musician this Christmas.
Onanoff, creators of intelligent accessories for your gadgets, was founded in 2010 by Petur Olafsson. The Icelander had a vision to create a brand that combined the best features of Nordic design, simplicity and quality, with the latest creative technology. The result is a line of lifestyle tech accessories that enable your gadgets to do even more. Onanoff is an internationally diversified team with operations in Hong Kong and Miami, where an emerging technology and start-up scene places the brand at the center of innovation and design.
The “Color Your Music” series sports BuddyPhones’ volume-limiting technology for safe listening, a bendable and flexible headband and a BuddyCable audio splitter so up to four friends can listen to one device at the same time. BuddyPhones are available in Yellow, Blue, Pink, Purple, Green and Orange at Globe GEN 3 stores, OdysseyNext stores and lazada.com.ph.
