Assessment Description: Please see attachment file below

Type Your Name

Ms. Ruiz

English 104

February 20, 2020

Safely Using Headphones and Earbuds

Safety Issues

People often listen to sound from their computers or mobile devices through headphones or earbuds. Headphones cover or are placed outside of the ear, whereas earbuds rest inside the ear canal. With these listening devices, only they individual wearing the device hears the sound. Using headphones or earbuds improperly can lead to permanent hearing loss. Items that may protect hearing include quality of these devices and volume levels.

The features of certain headphones and earbuds can help to prevent hearing loss. Higher-quality headphones and earbuds tend to produce a clearer sound, enabling wearers to listen at a lower volume (Tu). Properly designed headphones should have a close fit for optimal listening. Similarly, earbuds should seal tightly in the ear canal of the person wearing the device. Headphones and earbuds also should include noise-cancelling technology.

The volume level of the sound that transmits from headphones or earbuds into the ear of a person wearing this type of device has been linked to hearing loss. The volume should be set low enough that other people nearby cannot hear the sound being trasmitted. The quieter the sounds, the less possibility of hearing damage. Further, listening at a higher volume for extended periods of time could be unsafe. Ones expert suggests people should listen at only 30 percent maximum volume (Chamberlain).

Listening Mobility

More and more people are using headphones and earbuds with their computers and mobile devices. Using high-quality listening devices and lowering the volume can help to minimize potential hearing loss from the use of headphones and earbuds.

Smart glasses, also called smart eyewear, are wearable head-monitored eyeglass-type devices that enable the user to view information or take photos and videos that are projected to a miniature screen in the user’s field of vision. For example, the device wearer could run an app while wearing smart glasses that display flight status information when he or she walks into an airport. Users control the device through voice commands or by touching controls on its frame. Some smart glasses also include mobile apps, such as fitness trackers and GPS (Yaz, 17). Activity trackers, smartphones, and smart eyewear are available from a variety of manufacturers. Before making a purchase, consumers should research costs and features of all options to demonstrate the device that best suits their requirements.