Responsible Listening - Samsung Galaxy S III Important Information Manual

Responsible Listening

Caution! Avoid potential hearing loss.
Damage to hearing occurs when a person is exposed to loud sounds over time. The risk
of hearing loss increases as sound is played louder and for longer durations. Prolonged
exposure to loud sounds (including music) is the most common cause of preventable
hearing loss. Some scientific research suggests that using portable audio devices, such
as portable music players and cell phones, at high volume settings for long durations
may lead to permanent noise-induced hearing loss.
This includes the use of headphones (including headsets, earbuds, and Bluetooth®
or other wireless devices). Exposure to very loud sound has also been associated in
some studies with tinnitus (a ringing in the ear), hypersensitivity to sound, and distorted
hearing. Individual susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss and potential hearing
problem varies. Additionally, the amount of sound produced by a portable audio device
varies depending on the nature of the sound, the device settings, and the headphones
that are used. As a result, there is no single volume setting that is appropriate for
everyone or for every combination of sound, settings, and equipment.
You should follow some common sense recommendations when using any portable
audio device:
• Always turn the volume down before plugging the earphones into an audio source.
• Set the volume in a quiet environment and select the lowest volume at which you can
hear adequately.
• Be aware that you can adapt to higher volume settings over time, not realizing that the
higher volume may be harmful to your hearing.
• When using headphones, turn the volume down if you cannot hear the people
speaking near you or if the person sitting next to you can hear what you are
listening to.
• Do not turn the volume up to block out noisy surroundings. If you choose to listen to
your portable device in a noisy environment, use noise-cancelling headphones to
block out background environmental noise. By blocking background environment
noise, noise cancelling headphones should allow you to hear the music at lower
volumes than when using earbuds.
• Limit the amount of time you listen. As the volume increases, less time is required
before you hearing could be affected.
22 Important Safety Information