Nicole Mack recently purchased an MP3 player. The freshman in math education said she worried she would lose her hearing abilities due to the fact that she listens to her music “non stop.” So far, Mack said, she hasn’t experienced hearing loss.

But according to Bridget Novey, a pediatric audiologist at North Carolina Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat, Mack has reason for concern.

“Listening to your iPod or other personal music listening devices may affect your hearing,” she said. “It is not only how loud your music is, but how long you listen to your music that may contribute to noise-induced hearing loss.”

Faryal Khan, a freshman in biomedical engineering, said she has experienced some form of hearing loss as a direct result of headphone usage.

“I think the iPod has contributed to my hearing loss because the direct contact with the ear intensifies the concentration of the sound,” she said. And the company isn’t denying or hiding the risks. Apple recently revised its instruction manual, warning owners that “Permanent hearing loss may occur if earphones or headphones are used at high volume. You can adapt over time to a high volume of sound, which may sound normal but can damage your hearing.” Mack said she’s noticed others tolerating loud volumes of music.

“When I’m able to hear someone else’s iPod and their music very clearly, I get worried about their hearing and whether or not they should turn it down because of those earphones; they pack so much power, and it is probably unsafe,” she said.

Novey said there are a few precautions people can take to avoid this. “Limit the amount of time you listen to your music each day, and if the person sitting next to you can hear your music then it is too loud,” she said. “Constant exposure to loud sounds may affect your hearing contributing to noise-induced hearing loss. It is important to monitor your exposure to music and loud sounds. When in doubt, turn your music down, and use ear protection.”