MP3 players (PSP included) [Archive] - Literature Network Forums

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Stanislaw

12-31-2006, 09:31 AM

So...how many of ye have mp3 players...

I've got a psp, and an mp3 player, and its alot better then old cd 'diskmans'.

So here be the second question (if you do have one):
What do you mainly put on yours...podcasts, music, video (if yours permits)?

and if podcasts...which are your favourite podcasts:

mine are:
The napoleon 101 podcast
The Daily Breakfast podcast
Chess is cool podcast
World at war podcast
and Tech X podcast

Jay

12-31-2006, 09:48 AM

I have an mp3 player, it only plays audio so it's only music for me but I'm not complaining. I've only had it for a few weeks but it goes everywhere with me. It's great :D

Stanislaw

12-31-2006, 10:36 AM

cool...my mp3 is audio only aswell. mp3's are the wave of the future!:D

dramasnot6

12-31-2006, 10:41 AM

i have an ipod, saved up for it for a year too! :D i have a few stand-up comedy acts, some political speeches, and a few Shakespeare sonnets and plays. Besides that just tons and tons of all kinds of music.

Idril

12-31-2006, 01:44 PM

I have an iPod nano so only music for me. I can have photos on there but there's never enough room, my music takes up all available space. I only have a small portion of my library on there but it's easy enough to change the playlists so I get a good variety.

papayahed

12-31-2006, 03:29 PM

I have an mp3 - only plays music. I need to get a new one but I'm not sure which kind, I'm kinda balking at the ipod just because of the popularity.

Virgil

12-31-2006, 04:06 PM

I've had a iPod now for a few months now. I can't remember exactly when I got it. Must have been the summer. I love it. At first I didn't care for the fact that it was Mac based software, but I've gotten used to it. I still don't know how to manipulate the speadsheet. I have downloaded just about all my rock and blues collection and will now turn to my Jazz, classical, and opera. I also have photos on it, an audio version of Antony and Cleopatra, since I've been reading and discussing it, and audio lectures. When I'm done with the audio play and lectures I'll take them off and put new ones on. I got a large memory size and still not even close to filling it up.

Actually the popularity is one of the reasons I got an iPod. So many interface devises to choose from.

Schokokeks

01-01-2007, 07:36 AM

Ahead, a dorky question: Stany, what's a PSP ?

I have an MP3-player, too, but since it's not one of the newest, it has only space for 32 tracks, which is...yeah...not so nice :D. That's why I only use it for jogging anyway.

I also have photos on it, an audio version of Antony and Cleopatra, since I've been reading and discussing it, and audio lectures.
Oh, that sounds great, where did you get the audio version of Antony and Cleopatra from ? Is there any online place where you can get them for free ? I've always wanted a "slave" to read to me wherever I go :p.

ShoutGrace

01-01-2007, 07:39 AM

I really want an MP3 player. It's on my list, right there a little bit after "staple nutrition."

I've always wanted a "slave" to read to me wherever I go :p.

Are you accepting applications? :D

Nightshade

01-01-2007, 08:08 AM

Schokokeks

01-01-2007, 09:32 AM

schnooks not for free but you downlaod audio books.... its rather good but I havent used it in ages and the link is on another computer but ill get it for you if you like??
Aww, why does everything have to cost :( ?
Night, if it's not too much bother, yes please :) By the way, I love Schnooks :D.

...right there a little bit after "staple nutrition."
:eek: You mustn't starve ! And make sure you really get the food before the player !

Are you accepting applications?
:lol: :lol: :lol:
Sure I do ! Please include a sample read along with your CV :D. And I won't tell you until after the submission of your forms that you already have the job :D (salary plus board and lodging :p).

Nightshade

01-01-2007, 09:44 AM

By the way, I love Schnooks:D
oops :blush: I cant read your name so I just say schnooks in my head and now Im writing it :rolleyes:

Schokokeks

01-01-2007, 10:32 AM

sorry, my computer just posted here, I didn't want to ! :crash:
Isn't there any more the option to delete a post ?

Nightshade

01-01-2007, 10:34 AM

mwaaaa what is happening???

Schokokeks

01-01-2007, 10:37 AM

sorry, my stupid computer ! :crash:

mir

01-01-2007, 10:54 AM

I just got an iPod, and i am AMAZED at how much better my life has gotten. :D Those things are amazing. I did have a PSP, but it got stolen . . . :(

thevintagepiper

01-01-2007, 12:56 PM

I have a 20g iPod and I love it!! I don't mind at all that I can't put pictures and videos on it; all I really care about is the music. However, it would be nice to put the lyrics on it.

A podcast I used to enjoy is "Hope Is Emo" but I do not listen/watch it any more because of how "emo" has become so widespread in ridiculously different ways that it's hard to insist there are differences between orginal definitions without being accused of mockery. (if that makes any sense at all)

Virgil

01-01-2007, 01:40 PM

Oh, that sounds great, where did you get the audio version of Antony and Cleopatra from ? Is there any online place where you can get them for free ? I've always wanted a "slave" to read to me wherever I go :p.

Schoky, this is the complete audio Shakespeare that I own. It's a bit pricey, especially for students. One of the advantages of not being a student and earning a living is that you can afford to buy things that one loves. But given that it has all 39 plays in the set, it actually comes to less than 9 dollars a play, and each play has either two or three discs, so that if you compare with music costs, it's not that bad. I think you can also buy them individually at a higher cost per play.
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Arkangel-Shakespeare-Fully-Dramatized-Plays/dp/1932219005

A good library might have some of the plays either on CD or on video. Although in Germany I would suspect they wouldn't have many in English.

As to having a "slave" :lol: I think there is a thread somewhere on audiobooks where I outline why I love listening to books being read. First of all it's a performance, where a good reader (and it's usually a professional actor or speaker) individualizes all the voices of the characters. Second it's faster to get through the book. And what I do is read along with the speaker, so I'm reading and listening at the same time. A good speaker will make me feel the rhythm and sounds of the writer. I actually get more out of a book that way (so much of language is audio), and if there is a passage that needs attention, I just hit pause and analyse as I normally would.

mir

01-01-2007, 02:38 PM

A podcast I used to enjoy is "Hope Is Emo" but I do not listen/watch it any more because of how "emo" has become so widespread in ridiculously different ways that it's hard to insist there are differences between orginal definitions without being accused of mockery. (if that makes any sense at all)

he he, yeah, actually i've been trying to figure out a definition for "emo". i have some friends who are called emo, and i have a few who i call emo affectionately, but i still haven't really figured out what it means, it just seems like they are from what i know about it. it's confusing!!:confused:

Idril

01-01-2007, 07:31 PM

I just got an iPod, and i am AMAZED at how much better my life has gotten.

My brother's comment was, "One really feels like One's life is complete with one of these". Tongue firmly in cheek there but still, it is one of the better technological inventions in the last several years. We actually have 3 of them in the house, a mini, my nano and a shuffle so we never have to fight over 'disc' space.

papayahed

01-02-2007, 12:13 AM

Hey does anybdy have one of those ipods that you "clip on"? I'm not sure what it's called, I've only seen the commercials.

Do I need an ipod? What if i only want it for working out? and on planes?

Nightshade

01-02-2007, 05:22 AM

its the new ipod shuffle my little cousin's uncle got her one... I think it looks pretty fragile and frankly that cant be good

Stanislaw

01-02-2007, 06:19 AM

I have an mp3 - only plays music. I need to get a new one but I'm not sure which kind, I'm kinda balking at the ipod just because of the popularity.

well..imo...I would suggest going for a nextech brand...or going for a psp! IPODS have battery issues, and are'nt that large anywho.

Ahead, a dorky question: Stany, what's a PSP ?

PlayStationPortable...its like a playstation gameboy :D

Hey does anybdy have one of those ipods that you "clip on"? I'm not sure what it's called, I've only seen the commercials.

Do I need an ipod? What if i only want it for working out? and on planes?

ipod shuffle...but if thats what ye be looking for...go for a 'no name brand' deal...the kind with an fm tuner and expandable memory, they're usually cheaper, but better.

its the new ipod shuffle my little cousin's uncle got her one... I think it looks pretty fragile and frankly that cant be good

yup...they can't take much abuse...:crash: ...heh...I should know. :D

thevintagepiper

01-02-2007, 06:38 AM

he he, yeah, actually i've been trying to figure out a definition for "emo". i have some friends who are called emo, and i have a few who i call emo affectionately, but i still haven't really figured out what it means, it just seems like they are from what i know about it. it's confusing!!:confused:

Yea, it's a pretty strange thing really...I believe it originated as a type of music; "emotive hardcore" and then came to be thought of as "emotional" and then the clothing style developed...Depressed people became associated with it and then cutting...now it's all undistinguishable. I recently dyed my hair black so I get called emo a lot which is very annoying....it's basically the insult for everything for the guys at our church!

Rampant

01-02-2007, 06:42 AM

I recently got a Zen Vision W, and it rocks my world. I love new tech stuff and it keeps me entertained.

Shannanigan

01-02-2007, 04:52 PM

I have a PSP...but I can't figure out how to get internet on it (then again, I haven't really tried because I don't have much hope that it is availble on my island...Wi-Fi is a limited commodity here)...so I mostly download music from my computer, though I'd be interested in downloading videos if I ever find the time. Mostly I just play games...like Need For Speed or the Sims...and I watch movies on plane rides or other long spans of time...

kathycf

01-03-2007, 03:05 PM

Yea, it's a pretty strange thing really...I believe it originated as a type of music; "emotive hardcore" and then came to be thought of as "emotional" and then the clothing style developed...Depressed people became associated with it and then cutting...now it's all undistinguishable. I recently dyed my hair black so I get called emo a lot which is very annoying....it's basically the insult for everything for the guys at our church!

Really? I feel silly...I thought it was because of comedian Emo Philips. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emo_Philips) I am too old for all this new fangled slangy stuff. :lol:

No ipod for me, maybe Stan will send me one for Christmas...:D

Nightshade

01-03-2007, 05:31 PM

Virgil

01-03-2007, 07:06 PM

Nightshade

01-03-2007, 07:09 PM

nope they both gave out with amonth of the garntee ending. the battery just died on them--permanatly. I think.

Virgil

01-03-2007, 07:13 PM

Hmmm. I have had my ipod for about four or five months. No problems yet. I hope it doesn't go. I don't even remember how long the guarentee was.

Nightshade

01-03-2007, 07:15 PM

a year probably they all seem to be only a year.

Idril

01-03-2007, 08:36 PM

We've had our mini for over a year and so far there are no problems but I suppose the end could be coming. ;)

higley

01-04-2007, 04:12 AM

I have an iPod, which is my iLife. Not really but close. x) It makes life much more bearable for art students, and really just keeps us from getting that much kookier. Sitting in the same place painting/drawing the same thing for hours and hours, you go a bit stir crazy. iPods make the time go a little faster.

aeroport

01-04-2007, 06:39 AM

Pour moi, I just got an iPod a couple weeks ago, and am quite impressed. A large part of my classical collection is on it now, and my Dream Theater as well, but I find an increasing number of podcasts finding their way onto it as well.
I started with "This American Life" - my all-time favorite radio show. Now I've got "The Philosophy Podcast" and "The Founding Documents". And the BBC World report.

AimusSage

01-04-2007, 11:08 AM

Well, I used to, and still have a creative muvo slim, which is a nice slender mp3 player, but the battery is such that it is drained in about an hour, still great for running though, very lightweight. :)

I also have a Creative Vision M. Which is a superb mp3 player, superior to the Ipod in almost every way. :p I was quite upset however, to find that I could not fit my entire mp3 selection on it, even though it has a 30 GB disk. :eek: So now I have a very nice selection, about 80% of what I have on the thing. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so much was that the classical music alone took up 10 GB of space. It can also play video's and I tried that, got a few movies on the thing now, at the expense of music, it's nice to watch a movie in the train, but usually I just read a book or the newspaper while listening to music. :D

Virgil

01-04-2007, 01:02 PM

Ipod users should check this article out. I came across it this morning.

10 Things Your iPod Won't Tell You
By Noah Rothbaum Published: May 10, 2006
1. "It's good to be king — but my reign may be coming to an end."
2. "Customer service is a privilege, not a right."
3. "If you drop me, I'm toast."
4. "You say 'backup'; we say 'copyright infringement.'"
5. "My battery life is pathetic."
6. "I'm destroying your hearing."
7. "I'm out of date before I'm out of the box."
8. "I've sparked a crime wave."
9. "We'll nickel-and-dime you any chance we get."
10. "Once you go iPod, you're locked in for life."

You can read the paragraghs that go with the 10 things here:
http://www.smartmoney.com/10things/index.cfm?story=june2006

Shannanigan

01-04-2007, 01:34 PM

Well, I've had my PSP since last Christmas, so it's officially lasted longer than a year :p and it still seems to be going strong...

My LG cell phone, on the other hand, is another story...UGH!

papayahed

01-04-2007, 02:39 PM

hmmmmm... I've had my phillips for around 2 years ( yes Night I got it when I moved) I have to admit I haven't been extremely careful with it - it's been dropped, smashed in suitcases, and sweated on...I haven't had any problems but it does seem to be wearing out, I have to push the buttons a lot harder now.

Nightshade

01-04-2007, 02:53 PM

Well I knew about the thieves first thing your told when you get to macnhester DONT WALK IN THE STREETS WITH YOUR IPOD showing ...and if Like me you can wearit withoutt any evidance DONT PUT BOTH SPEAKERS IN.
So your always aware of whats going on around you and no 'wolf' can jump out at you and make you a 'sheep'

AimusSage

01-04-2007, 03:21 PM

Nightshade

01-04-2007, 03:52 PM

You know:eek2: the satfey headgehogs??
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/hedgehogs/download/2003clamp.mpg??

it takes a minute or so to laod:D:D
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/hedgehogs/images/2003-elephant.jpg??

AimusSage

01-04-2007, 04:00 PM

never heard of them untill now... I retract my previous statement that it is safer to be a hedgehog with an Ipod! :eek:

higley

01-05-2007, 12:33 AM

Virg, that's a pretty good list. :D There are definitely some administrative problems with the iPod, lots of little annoying things they don't tell you about.

Madhuri

01-05-2007, 04:14 AM

I dont have an MP3 player. :( Hearing what people have to say, I think its a nice piece of equipment to obtain. I used to listen to songs on computer, but I cant take anywhere. And as Night said one has to be careful when showing it on the streets, there are a lot of pick-pockets in buses here, small things like cell-phone and watches get stolen a lot in crowded buses and purses/wallets also.

I have a lot of things to buy, and this has been added in my wish list. :)

Schokokeks

01-05-2007, 07:56 AM

Schoky, this is the complete audio Shakespeare that I own. It's a bit pricey, especially for students.
Oh boy, it is pricey...But thanks for the link anyway, my next birthday will surely come ;)
Though the problem might be: my old MP3 player doesn't have enough space, even for one play. And then I think there might be trouble with the different file types, as mine can only play MP3, no WAV or WMA or anything *sighs*. But I could of course listen to the CDs at home. I've never listened to any audio book so far, and I'm curious as to the benefits you mentioned.
So...someone still looking for a birthday present for me ? :D :p

Stanislaw

01-06-2007, 02:51 AM

hey my sister had an ipod but it died after a year then she saved and forked out over £200 for a creative zen and that also just died one day after about 18 months.... so shes decided the reason they only have aone year garntee is they only last that long. Now my questing how long do these Psp things last??

.....feeling genourous generus ( oh you know what I mean)....

:D

Fer quite some time...mines about 1.5 years and strong...and the best part is that the batts easily replaceable when it finally goes.

nope they both gave out with amonth of the garntee ending. the battery just died on them--permanatly. I think.

That is tough luck...but do not despair...with a little screwdriver, and some spare time...you can actually change the batt on your ipod...something aplle doesn't want you to know.

Virg, that's a pretty good list. :D There are definitely some administrative problems with the iPod, lots of little annoying things they don't tell you about.

heh...like the batt issue...and the not replacing it it...

Nightshade

01-06-2007, 10:18 AM

That is tough luck...but do not despair...with a little screwdriver, and some spare time...you can actually change the batt on your ipod...something aplle doesn't want you to know.

heh...like the batt issue...and the not replacing it it...

well thats interesting and where do I get a battery..only knowing my sis shell be at it and end up electricutinmgh hereself and shrtwiring it.... it wont be the first time shes done somthing like that.

Stanislaw

01-07-2007, 02:36 AM

well thats interesting and where do I get a battery..only knowing my sis shell be at it and end up electricutinmgh hereself and shrtwiring it.... it wont be the first time shes done somthing like that.

You can buy them online...
http://newertech.com/ipod

source article about battery replacement:
http://www.makezine.com/pub/tool/NewerTech_iPod_Replacement_Batteries

http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2005/08/how_to_replace.html

How to about battery replacement:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1835128,00.asp

But for electrocuting...its non-lethal...only minor painful.:D

Janine

01-13-2007, 09:36 PM

schnooks not for free but you downlaod audio books.... its rather good but I havent used it in ages and the link is on another computer but ill get it for you if you like??

I have an ipod shuffle the bank gave it to me. I have wake up to wogan podcast and not really podcast becasue I listen to it on the computer The secret world chronicles podcast series.

Nightshade - some libraries offer free downloads depending where you live. Mine does - I am in the US...east coast. I also want an MP3 player badly, but was told by my librarian that I can't download the audiobooks they offer with an IPod - it can't be a MAC product, since Microsoft supports it. If anyone knows this to be contradictory, please let me know. I can show you the site and then you could give me advice. More than likely I can only just afford a MP3 player anyway - IPods are a little expensive. I know they are worth it, but I will be satisfied for now if I get any good brand MP3.

Virgil

01-13-2007, 09:42 PM

Nightshade - some libraries offer free downloads depending where you live. Mine does - I am in the US...east coast. I also want an MP3 player badly, but was told by my librarian that I can't download the audiobooks they offer with an IPod - it can't be a MAC product, since Microsoft supports it. If anyone knows this to be contradictory, please let me know. I can show you the site and then you could give me advice. More than likely I can only just afford a MP3 player anyway - IPods are a little expensive. I know they are worth it, but I will be satisfied for now if I get any good brand MP3.

Wow. I didn't know that libraries allowed audiobook down loads. I wonder if the New York Library system offers it. I'll have to check.

Janine

01-13-2007, 09:46 PM

Oh boy, it is pricey...But thanks for the link anyway, my next birthday will surely come ;)
Though the problem might be: my old MP3 player doesn't have enough space, even for one play. And then I think there might be trouble with the different file types, as mine can only play MP3, no WAV or WMA or anything *sighs*. But I could of course listen to the CDs at home. I've never listened to any audio book so far, and I'm curious as to the benefits you mentioned.
So...someone still looking for a birthday present for me ? :D :p

Hi Schokokeks,
Listening to books on CD's or MP3/IPods is great, especially Shakespeare. I listen to them many times over - I like them so much. It is easier to comprehend the play when you hear it performed correctly and recited as it should be. In the audiobooks of plays with various actors it is so easy to pay attention; you feel like you are standing right next to the actors on the stage...and it is quite captivating.....personal....intimate. Personally I am addicted to them. Listening to straight narration of a book can be good, but if the narrator has a boring voice it is a sure cure for insomnia! Many a night I have fallen asleep with headphones still intact. Try the audiobooks of the Shakespeare plays - well worth the money. I only have a few, but I enjoy them emensely. You can purchase them separately on Amazon.com. and they are reasonable. Ofcourse the set would be wonderful! I just can't afford it presently.

Wow. I didn't know that libraries allowed audiobook down loads. I wonder if the New York Library system offers it. I'll have to check.

I did not know it either and then the librarian told me about it. Sure enough on my online site (for my library) they subscribe to a site to download books for free. It is a city service, so to speak. Also my library offers free videos and free CDs - hundreds of them - free for checkout for a full two weeks, some libraries are more restrictive in time. You can't beat that! That is why I am such an avid movie buff, now. They have great stuff, too...old, documentary, classic, and new...wide variety. Now I have heard that some libraires do charge a fee for video rental, but cheap - maybe a dollar. I would think, Virgil, that NY would have this system. NYC has everyting!

Virgil

01-13-2007, 10:04 PM

Just checked at NYPL site and they have over 4000 audio books for download. And it has a conversion for ipod/mac users. They also have books to download in adobe for reading off computer.

Janine

01-13-2007, 10:31 PM

Just checked at NYPL site and they have over 4000 audio books for download. And it has a conversion for ipod/mac users. They also have books to download in adobe for reading off computer.

Incredible! 4000 wow...we don't have quite that many...that is great! :D Does your library offer free videos, too - we have VHS and DVD's - hundreds of them, and then a couple hundred more come in each month from other libraires on a rotating basis. It is fantastic and all free. I stopped renting movies. In CD's they have about 800 in right now.

Virgil

01-13-2007, 10:33 PM

Incredible! 4000 wow...we don't have quite that many...that is great! :D Does your library offer free videos, too - we have VHS and DVD's - hundreds of them, and then a couple hundred more come in each month from other libraires on a rotating basis. It is fantastic and all free. I stopped renting movies. In CD's they have about 800 in right now.

Here Janine. You can explore it yourself: http://ebooks.nypl.org/C739D0E5-D766-4CA3-B396-7FFE1AFACA5D/10/206/en/Default.htm

papayahed

01-13-2007, 10:40 PM

Holy Toledo my library does too.

Janine

01-13-2007, 10:42 PM

One step ahead of you, V, I just went there and wow - you also have downloadable videos - over 500 of those - some great stuff, too....saw Antigone and Living Seas (Imax) - I was going to see that at the Franklin Institute. I am jealous :bawling: - we don't have downloadable videos, just audiobooks....

Holy Toledo my library does too.

Papayahed - you live in MI not Toledo :lol: Glad your library has them, too. Cool.

papayahed

01-13-2007, 10:55 PM

See! I knew as soon as I ordered an MP3 player things would start looking up!!:p

Janine

01-13-2007, 11:01 PM

See! I knew as soon as I ordered an MP3 player things would start looking up!!:p

This is your lucky day, papaya!:D

papayahed

01-14-2007, 04:34 PM

And I just found a song I've been looking for forever!!!!! I could never find it on the free sites!!!

Janine

01-14-2007, 05:36 PM

And I just found a song I've been looking for forever!!!!! I could never find it on the free sites!!!

How funny. Great! I just found a CD at my library of "Romeo and Juliet" by Prokofiev. Playing it now....it is awesome! See, some things are free; one just has to locate them.

Well, P, I think we have now lost Virgil to his library site. Right now he must be browsing the 4000 titles of downloadable audiobooks and films.

Another lucky day for you - what's the song, Papayahed?

Idril

01-14-2007, 08:21 PM

Did you decide to go with iTunes, Papayahed?

Janine

01-15-2007, 04:04 AM

I like iTunes. My son downloaded it to my computer, which is one he gave me - he built it himself. I use iTunes often since he put much of his music from his iPod onto it. I deleted the songs I did not like, but much was to my liking, too.

papayahed

01-15-2007, 11:49 AM

Janine

01-15-2007, 04:15 PM

Sorry, P, I never heard the song, but I will look it up and listen to it today. It sounds like a good one. I certainly could use an angel today!

AimusSage

01-15-2007, 05:00 PM

:angel:

That's an angel right there :D Not me though, I'm the opposite. ;)

Scheherazade

01-16-2007, 01:03 PM

The iPod generation may love being wired for sound but experts warn that listening to MP3 players can seriously damage hearing.

As January is Hearing Clearer Awareness Month, we look at ways to protect your ears from any long-term damage.

Travelling around without a soundtrack might be unthinkable for anyone under the age of 40 but that music may be serenading a generation towards hearing problems. Personal music players - iPods and other MP3 headsets - ranked amongst the top-selling Christmas gifts this year but experts fear few users are aware of the risks of noise damage to their ears.

New technology and ever-increasing storage capacity enables people to listen non-stop for hours - and at louder volumes than ever before - which could eventually impair hearing. An estimated four million adolescents may be at risk of hearing damage from exposure to over-amplified music, according to the Institute of Hearing Research. A separate survey by David Ormerod Hearing Centres for Hearing Clearer Awareness Month found that one in seven people in the UK has hearing loss.

Dr John Low, chief executive of RNID, whose new website (www.dontlosethemusic.com) warns MP3 users about the problem, says: "If young people don't heed our warnings about safer listening, they could end up facing premature hearing damage. If you are regularly plugged in, it's only too easy to clock up noise doses that could damage hearing forever."

He points out that listening to an MP3 player at top volume - around 100 decibels - compares with the shattering noise level experienced by standing 10 feet from a pneumatic drill, and subjects ears to noise above the danger level. Veteran rocker Jeff Rich - former drummer for Status Quo - is one of the musicians urging youngsters, including his own 22-year-old son, to heed the warnings.

Rich, 53, from Lincolnshire says: "When we were performing we used to have a wall of giant amplifiers on either side of us on the stage - and I was stuck in the middle." After a hearing test a few years ago Rich found he had only 50% hearing in his left ear and 30% in his right.

"I was worried I might end up permanently deaf but luckily hearing aids have transformed my life. Youngsters don't realise how much they are assaulting their ears by going to gigs and clubbing and constantly listening to music at top volume on personal players."

Jeff, who now runs his own business giving drumming masterclasses in schools, says: "Even my own son, Marc, who knows what I've gone through and is a musician, has not yet organised ear protection for when he's playing at gigs nor got proper safe headphones for his MP3 player.
Youngsters think, as I used to, that hearing problems will never happen to them."

What causes the damage
Karen Shepherd, audiological services manager at David Ormerod Hearing Centres, says: "Tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss occurs when the delicate hair nerve cells that line the inner ear suffer repeated trauma from loud sound vibrations. If young people suffer this and they are genetically predisposed to degeneration of hearing, with age their hearing loss may happen sooner rather than later."

She says there is a growing trend for younger people to visit centres and raise hearing concerns. Statistics show that 39% of 18 to 24-year-olds listen to personal stereos for more than an hour each day and 42% admit they believe they have the volume too high.

"We advise people to listen to portable players for 20 minutes at a time and then to have a break, and be aware that if the noise is audible to a person sitting next to them it's too loud for safety," says Shepherd.

"In general, they should not go above the half-way level on the volume control. The problem is young people may be aware of risks to their sight but cannot so easily imagine deafness and ignore the risks. Also because music is enjoyable youngsters are more willing to tolerate noise levels which are potentially harmful."

Warning signs
Andrew Reid, from the British Society of Audiology, says the first warning signs of hearing problems are a ringing or buzzing in the ears. "If people experience that they really need to turn down the player straight away and then consult their doctor if the problems persist."

Two American studies recently suggested that the design of in-ear headphones (which may ineffectively screen out background noise but come as standard with many portable music players), causes users to crank music up to damaging levels. Reid comments: "This evidence suggests that people should get better quality headphones if they want to safeguard their hearing.

"It you are on a noisy train or car you have to turn the player up to dangerous levels just to hear it. Over time this is going to lead to problems like tinnitus and severe damage to the inner ear."

Sound sense

Take regular breaks from your headphones to give your ears a rest.

Turn the volume down a notch - even a small reduction in volume can make a big difference.

Avoid using the volume to drown out background noise. Check out additions to in-ear headphones that can block out this noise and allow player volume to be turned down.

If your MP3 player has a 'smart volume' feature, then use it once you've set the volume of your player for comfortable listening. If you can't hear someone talking at normal volume over the music, you're listening too loudly.

Take ear plugs when going to a club, party or gig. Be aware of the time you spend playing loud video games. Lower the volume of your mobile phone ringtone.

If you feel your hearing is getting dulled or you start to hear noises in your head, take a break from what you're doing and give your ears a rest. http://www.msn.co.uk/health/mp3/default.asp?MSPSA=1

AimusSage

01-16-2007, 02:46 PM

http://www.msn.co.uk/health/mp3/default.asp?MSPSA=1
That's hardly news is it??? Then again, some things can't be stated enough. Especially because I'm a little hard of hearing. :p

Stanislaw

01-17-2007, 03:01 AM

The song was "Send Down an Angel" by Bronz.

Actualy right now I'm on Napster, I get to try all the music everybody has suggested without paying for it.....well I take that back, I'm payng a monthly fee to listen.

hmm...you should switch over to limewire, or winmx...or even best: Bit torrent via azurius!! its cheap as free!...well, it is free.:D

That's hardly news is it??? Then again, some things can't be stated enough. Especially because I'm a little hard of hearing. :p

say what? :D :D

papayahed

01-17-2007, 10:18 PM

hmm...you should switch over to limewire, or winmx...or even best: Bit torrent via azurius!! its cheap as free!...well, it is free.:D

say what? :D :D

I've downloaded Limewire as well...winmx you say?

Sorry, P, I never heard the song, but I will look it up and listen to it today. It sounds like a good one. I certainly could use an angel today!

It's one of thse cheesy 80's songs but I dig it.

papayahed

02-26-2007, 11:45 AM

Have I mentioned how much I love my new MP3 player??? I just figured out how to put text onto it and now not only can I take an audiobook with me I can also take the text version as well. Who knew?

Lily Adams

01-04-2008, 03:05 AM

I have a 1 GB mp3 player and I have to constantly organize the music on it because I really own much more than 1 GB. So I have to make sacrifices. *dramatic* But at least I have one. It's okay. I would love nice iPod, though, that hold a buncha music and videos.

There's a DEVO podcast called Positive Mutations but surprisingly I've never listened to it. I should.

EDIT: Ha ha, oh, it's funny. I like it.

Mal Reynolds

01-05-2008, 06:04 AM

I have an old Zen, 30gbs. Just has music.

I also have an old IAudio, gave that to my sister though.

Would love one of those new IAudios. Cowon's are the best flavor of MP3 Player.

papayahed

01-05-2008, 09:40 AM

See! I knew as soon as I ordered an MP3 player things would start looking up!!:p

HaHa and a week later I was canned!!!! :lol: :lol:

Lily Adams

10-05-2008, 03:08 PM

HaHa and a week later I was canned!!!! :lol: :lol:

D:

DOOD.

I got an iPod yesterday! 120 GB! I'm putting stuff on it right now. Gunna put lots o' MST3K episdoes to watch on it.

It was pretty cool, I was on the verge of buying an 80 GB, and then all of a sudden Apple comes out with 120s that cost just as much! Pretty neat.

papayahed

10-05-2008, 05:45 PM

D:

DOOD.

I got an iPod yesterday! 120 GB! I'm putting stuff on it right now. Gunna put lots o' MST3K episdoes to watch on it.

It was pretty cool, I was on the verge of buying an 80 GB, and then all of a sudden Apple comes out with 120s that cost just as much! Pretty neat.

Nice!!!

Lily Adams

10-06-2008, 12:28 AM

Nice!!!

I know, right? It's pretty neat-O. Gettin' some vids for it right now...

papayahed

10-07-2008, 01:10 PM

I know, right? It's pretty neat-O. Gettin' some vids for it right now...

I bought a Zune a few months back and love it, especially on trips. The only problem is that there isn't a big selection for podcasts and videos.

Niamh

10-07-2008, 01:35 PM

Man! When i got my 30gb ipod a few years back THAT wsa considered "wow!" but 120 is just pure :eek2:

Lily Adams

10-08-2008, 12:30 AM

I bought a Zune a few months back and love it, especially on trips. The only problem is that there isn't a big selection for podcasts and videos.

Neat-O. And Aw. :(

Man! When i got my 30gb ipod a few years back THAT wsa considered "wow!" but 120 is just pure :eek2:

I know, it's a lot. But Apple just has this jump from 16 GB to 120 GB, and I knew 16 wasn't enough. I've already used up 16 GB! And I just get more and more stuff to put on it.