October 23rd, 2006
Bluetooth Headsets Related to Hearing Loss?
By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews
You may recall how Apple was under the gun for possible hearing loss related to use of earbuds (in fact, they were eventually sued), and how they eventually released an update that reduced the maximum volume level of the iPod. Of course, other MP3 players have also been accused of the same sort of hearing loss.
Now there is the same sort of speculation surrounding the use of Bluetooth headsets, those of the type usually paired with cellular phones.
Lawsuits filed in Tampa federal court this week accuse manufacturers Motorola, Plantronics and Jabra of failing to warn consumers that their headsets can cause permanent hearing loss.
A test of one Motorola model produced a maximum volume of 106 decibels, enough to damage the hair cells of the inner ear even if used only five minutes a day, the suits claim. Source: St. Petersburg Times
We Say: Motorola, Jabra and Plantronics are all involved in the lawsuit. I’ve used Plantronics and Motorola, but not Jabra headsets. Now, older Motorola headsets have often been accused of low volume (see notes in this review). The “B” version of the H700, which I’ve recently used is pretty loud. I’m not sure just how loud either it or the Plantronics Discovery 655 are, but they have to be pretty loud to be heard over car noise.
Of course, my use of the headset isn’t anywhere near the amount an MP3 player is used, but am I hurting my hearing? Maybe.
Mart says:
One of the problems with the Treo 700P is low volumn. There are several different 3rd party utilities that boost the sound. Now I know why Palm has the volumn so low. Land sharks. (Lawyers)
October 23rd, 2006 at 6:52 am
Sven Skaliberskone says:
I own a Motorola H500, no problem with it whatsoever. Low volume is not very audible & loud is perfectly audible
October 23rd, 2006 at 10:54 am
How’s That Again? Lawsuits Claim Bluetooth Causes Hearing Loss at Mobility Watch says:
[…] Yeah, I know, there’s more to that McDonald’s story. But we thought we’d bring it up, because in the last few days a handful of lawsuits has sprung up against Motorola, Jabra, and other Bluetooth headset manufacturers. Users of these headsets are claiming that using them for extended periods of time, at high volume levels, can cause hearing loss. […]
October 23rd, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Bluetooth » Intego issues OS X Bluetooth security exploit alert says:
[…] Bluetooth Headsets Related to Hearing Loss?RealTechNews, CA - Oct 23, 2006… Now there is the same sort of speculation surrounding the use of Bluetooth headsets, those of the type usually paired with cellular phones. … […]
October 28th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Sony launches new Bluetooth headphone range at Bluetooth News Blog says:
[…] RealTechNews, CA - Oct 23, 2006… Now there is the same sort of speculation surrounding the use of Bluetooth headsets, those of the type usually paired with cellular phones. … Read more… […]
November 5th, 2006 at 4:55 pm
jose sandoval says:
I have a motorola bluetooth H9 and it makes my ears ring after wearing them for a few minuets, and think that I have lost a little hearing? I dont have to be talking on it just wearing it. I’m trying to get it replaced but have had little success. is there a law suit that I can add my name to?
January 2nd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
jose sandoval earn money by working! says:
Get a job to pay for your existence, lawsuit ?
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
John Newgen says:
Hi, I’m searching online for some info on this as well. It turns out I bought a new phone two weeks ago, motorola L2. It has the bluetooth option so I went ahead and tried it with a H500 I already have. Previously, I’ve used an LG CU400 with this headset.
I talked on it until the battery goes out, which is about 3-4 hours, two or three calls or so. Then when I took it off, its like someone covered my other ear, I could hear ok, but there’s a ringing in my ear. The next day I put it on my other ear and made calls with it, now both ears feels like they’re covered, I feel like I’m going to lose hearing.
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:00 am