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LISTENING
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Z'~e~:
Selecting fine audio equipment such as the unit you've just
purchased
is
only the start
of
your musical enjoyment. Now it's time
to consider how you can maximize the fun and excitement your
equipment offers. This manufacturer and the Electronic Industries
Association's Consumer Electronics Group want you to get the most
out
of
your equipment by playing it at asafe level. One that lets the
sound come through loud and clear without annoying blaring
or
distortion-and,
most importantly, without affecting your sensitive
hearing.
Sound can be deceiving. Over time your hearing "comfort level"
adapts to higher volumes
of
sound. So what sounds "normal" can
actually be loud and harmful to your hearing. Guard against this by
setting your equipment at asafe level BEFORE your hearing adapts.
To
establish a
safe
level:
•Start your volume control at alow setting.
•Slowly increase the sound until you can hear it comfortably and
clearly, and without distortion.
Once
you
have
established acomfortable
sound
level:
•Set the dial and leave it there.
Taking aminute
to
do this now will help to prevent hearing damage or
loss
in
the future. After all, we want you listening for alifetime.
We
Want
You
Listening
For
A
Lifetime
Used wisely, your new sound equipment will provide alifetime
of
fun and enjoyment. Since hearing damage from loud noise is often
undetectable until it is too late, this manufacturer and the Electronic
Industries Association's Consumer Electronics Group recommend
you avoid prolonged exposure to excessive noise. This list
of
sound
levels is included for your protection.
Decibel
Level Example
30 Quiet library, soft whispers
40
Living room, refrigerator, bedroom away from traffic
50 Light traffic, normal conversation, quiet office
60 Air conditioner
at
20 feet, sewing machine
70 Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, noisy restaurant
80 Average city traffic, garbage disposals, alarm clock at two feet.
THE
FOLLOWING
NOISES
CAN
BE
DANGEROUS
UNDER
CONSTANT
EXPOSURE
90 Subway, motorcycle, truck traffic, lawn mower
100 Garbage truck, chain
saw,
pneumatic drill
120
Rock band concert
in
front
of
speakers, thunderclap
140
Gunshot blast, jet plane
I80 Rocket launching pad
Information courtesy of
the
Deafness Research Foundation.
;g.··o
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