Sound Matters! Weblog

In the world of music, the iPod is still the hottest MP3 player on the block. The little white earbuds that come with the iPod are a nearly ubiquitous sight on the bus, the gym, and around town. But this little status symbol could be creating a generation that will experience hearing loss after a decade of use.

 Although there is no current evidence directly linking iPods with hearing loss, current available research does show that high noise levels over a period of time cause permanent hearing loss. The problem with iPods is that the earbud style headphones don’t block outside noise, forcing listeners to turn up the volume. Since iPods are so convenient to use, and so discreet (the device can easily be tucked into a pocket), people are using them more often. This combination of frequent use and increased volume could eventually cause permanent hearing loss.

 So, should you get rid of your iPod? In reality, that it is probably unlikely. Instead, here are four tips to remember while using your iPod. 

• Limit the amount of time that you use the device. Set personal limits of one hour a day.

• Keep the volume down to 65-70 decibels, which is the level of normal conversation.

• Invest in noise-canceling earphones. Although these earphones are expensive, they are worth it because they limit the amount of background noise and allow you to keep the volume down.

• Don’t allow your kids to have an iPod. If they already have one, limit the use and monitor the loudness level. If you can hear their music from a few feet away, the volume is too high.

 Our current infatuation with iPods is likely to increase rather than decrease since just about anything can be downloaded directly to this tiny device. But if you can restrict the amount of time you spend using an iPod and incorporate more traditional forms of listening, your ears will thank you and you’ll enjoy healthy listening for a long time!

So you want to use this article on your website or your own eNewsletter? You certainly may but you MUST include the following information:

Lynda Stucky, author of these articles is a expert on the speech and voice skills of busy executives.To receive weekly how-to tips on speech and voice tips in the workplace (100 words or less), visit http://www.clearly-speaking.com/

If you had only a quick amount of time to study the democratic candidates and then vote for your favorite, you would base your decision on the way the candidate sounds and looks.  Who would you vote for between Clinton and Obama based on the way that each one sounds? 

I believe that most Americans will vote for their favorite candidate based on a deeper picture and understanding of the candidates’ belief systems and strategies.  But there are probably a number of people who don’t get into politics like others. They choose a candidate based on some other quirky reason that has nothing to do with the individual’s politics: the candidate comes from their home state, the candidate has a cool name, the candidate looks like a good friend, the candidate shook my hand, etc.  Why wouldn’t there be some people who vote for the one who sounds the best? The way a person sounds adds to the charisma factor.

I think both candidates offer their own unique communication style.  Whether you are a democrat or a republican, if you had to choose which one would it be?

www.clearly-speaking.com