To protect your hearing when using earbud headphones with iPod, use the MP3 device for no more than an hour a day with volume below 60% of the maximum.

Studies suggest that earbud headphones may lead to hearing loss. They are placed directly in the ear and can boost the sound signal by as much as six to nine decibels. This is equivalent to difference in intensity between the sound made by a vacuum cleaner and the sound of a motorcycle engine. If you want to listen for longer durations, reduce the volume and use the headphones that fit outside the ear canal.