Katie Couric's Notebook: MP3 Players
Video: I guess it's better than the old days of boom boxes. Now, the soundtrack of your life can stay in your own head - unless you're playing it too loud. And if the person sitting next to you can sing along, you are.
A new study from the European Union found that listening to loud MP3 players over a prolonged period of time can cause significant hearing loss. Blasting the maximum volume right into your ears is as bad as working in a noisy factory or being near an airplane at takeoff.
Noise at a decibel level that high for too long? Let's just say "can you hear me now" won't be a joke anymore.
Turning it down is not only considerate to those around you, it's good for your health - and music to your ears.