An acoustical study of IPOD use by university students in quiet and noisy situations

Authors

  • Sina Fallah University of Toronto at Mississauga, Department of Psychology, 3359 Mississauga Rd N, Mississauga, Ont. L5L 1C6
  • Kathy Pichora-Fuller University of Toronto at Mississauga, Department of Psychology, 3359 Mississauga Rd N, Mississauga, Ont. L5L 1C6

Keywords:

Audio acoustics, Education, Portable equipment, Risk assessment, Societies and institutions, Students, Decibel levels, Low-frequency content, Noisy situations

Abstract

An acoustical study was conducted for IPod use by university students in quite and noisy situations to determine what actual decibel levels young people choose while listening to their devices, how much they change the volume settings and whether typical use of these portable audio devices may pose an actual risk to hearing health. Two samples of music were used, one from the Hip Hop segment had more low-frequency content and another from the Electronica segment which had more high-frequency content. All testing was conducted in an IAC double-walled sound-attenuating booth. The delivery of sound was controlled using a TDT System III. Music was presented to all listeners from the same black 30 GB iPod Video, with standard earbuds. The maximum output level that any individual listened to was 105 dBA which could pose a risk if listening time were not limited. Health education should target individuals who are at risk so that they learn how to use their portable audio devices more safely.

Additional Files

Published

2006-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Fallah S, Pichora-Fuller K. An acoustical study of IPOD use by university students in quiet and noisy situations. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2006 Sep. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];34(3):66-7. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/1825

Issue

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

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