Personal listening devices (PLDs) have become ubiquitous. These devices, also referred to as Personal Music Players (PMPs) or Personal Audio Devices (PADs), are smaller and provide better fidelity reproduction of sound than ever. Apple reports over 350 million iPods sold (as of September 2012) and that’s not counting other brands of mp3 players or phones that include that feature. A recent Internet search for use of mp3 players in the workplace revealed few sites that mention workers “sneaking the use” of mp3 players under their earmuffs or with the ear buds “disguised” as earplugs. And there are ear buds that are marketed to look like earplugs. What’s the safety professional to do?
On the one hand, listening to PLDs can be distracting, increase the risk for noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, decrease situational awareness or create increased safety risk (cords in machinery, etc.). However, these risks can sometimes be mitigated with proper use of PLDs. Safety professionals should consider a policy regarding the use of PLDs in the workplace.