A recent study shows that a majority of college students are risking permanent hearing damage due to the usage of personal music players. The study group was requested to listen to the Brian Adams single  “Summer of 69″ using an iPod.

After asking a group of college students to listen to the rock song by Brian Adams on their music players, the
University of Southern Mississippi scientists looked at the device volume and found out that approximately 55% of the users could in time sustain lasting hearing loss. The sound levels exceed 85 decibels and, to be considered harmful, they would need to be on for 8 hours. About 26% had a volume between 70 to 85 decibels, and only 19% lowered the volume below 70 decibels.

The students were also permitted to pick their own music, and when rap music reached as high as 100 decibel and rock music reached as high as 107 decibels. Notably, the loudest average volumes, reached 88 decibels for pop music and 89 decibels for country music.