Preliminary Investigation of Perceived Sound Quality for High-Fidelity Premolded Hearing Protection Devices.

High-fidelity premolded earplugs (HiFi HPDs) are designed to provide relatively uniform attenuation across frequencies. The primary goal of this study was an exploratory analysis of relationships between attenuation and perceptions of sound quality. Participants were 16 adults tested using commercial HiFi HPDs marketed for use at recreational music events.

Verification of Attenuation for Premolded Hearing Protection Devices Designed for Music.

High-fidelity premolded earplugs (HiFi HPDs) are designed to provide relatively uniform attenuation across frequencies. The primary goal of this study was to verify the amount and flatness of individual user attenuation. HiFi HPD attenuation was measured using real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) measurements under circumaural earphones.

Reducing the risk of music-induced hearing loss from overuse of portable listening devices: understanding the problems and establishing strategies for improving awareness in adolescents.

Hearing loss from the overuse of portable listening devices (PLDs), such as MP3 players or iPods, is of great concern in the popular media. This review aims to discuss the current state of scientific knowledge about music-induced hearing loss from PLD use. This report evaluates the literature on the risk to hearing from PLD use, the individual and psychological factors that influence PLD usage, and strategies for reducing exposure to music through PLDs.