Guidelines for Using Personal Music Systems

Many of our client hospitals are either encouraging the use of personal music systems (Apple iPod, Sony Walkman, etc.) or providing these types of players for their patients. Here are a few guidelines for safe use:

Setting the Volume

All personal music systems currently on the market can cause hearing damage if set too loud, especially when exposure (use) is extended. Therefore, if the patient is unconscious or otherwise unable to set or adjust his or her own volume, the volume should be carefully set by the nurse.

This should be done by the nurse putting on the headphones and setting the volume at a moderate level. Guessing according to the volume marker, whether digital or switch control, will not be adequate. As a rule, it is better to err too soft than too loud! Under no condition should the volume be all the way up.

Avoiding the Startle-Response

If the headphones are to be put on a patient who is not fully conscious, there is also risk of a startle-response. The startle-response happens when a sudden noise that is substantially louder than the background noise occurs. It can cause a patient to jump, or become very agitated. Furthermore, it can raise blood pressure levels and respiration rate. It is best to prevent this from happening.

Suggestion: Set the volume at moderate. Then, lower the volume, put on the headphones, and raise the volume to the predetermined level. This will minimize the chance of the startle response.

Headphones

In-ear buds pose more of a hearing loss risk than normal headphones because they literally corner, or trap the ear. And, different headphones have different volume sensitivities even when used with the same player system. Ear buds are are also hygienically challenging. It is better to have your patients bring their own or use normal headphones.

HHS has low-cost disposable headphones and disposable cotton earmuff covers for full size headphones. Contact us for more information.

Note: In general, headphones create “single-occupancy auditory environments.” They are intended, by design, to isolate the listener and, equally, isolate others from the music of the listener. If what is called
for is an inclusive environment where a family member can comfort or tend to the patient, ambient music is preferred.