As parents, we spend our entire life looking after the welfare of our children. We buy the right car seat, plan their education, and make sure they are safe. Unfortunately, many kids love to play their iPod and other music players louder than we would like them to. It is difficult to know just how loud they are playing the music when they use earphones. As most of the older generation knows, playing music too loud can sometimes lead to serious hearing impairment. Ultimate Ears, a local company in Irvine, CA has addressed this with the Loud Enough Volume Limiting Earphones that are specifically designed to prevent high volume sound from damaging young sensitive ears. The built-in volume reducer decreases sound levels by approximately 10-15 dB. The result is a significant decrease in volume, preventing potentially damaging levels from affecting kids' hearing. The Loud Enough earphones have been designed to provide parents with some level of confidence that their children could listen to music for a minimum of 1 hour at maximum sound output. While parents still need to be responsible for their child's exposure to continuous music, the product does help limit cumulative sound level exposure.

The following table is provided by Ultimate Ears and has OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration) guidelines for the maximum time exposure to Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) before possible hearing damage occurs.

Accessories
The LoudEnough Volume Limiting Earphones include a generous number of extra silicone ear tips. Since everyone's ears are slightly different in shape, Ultimate Ears includes three different sizes. It is important to have a good seal for bass reproduction and noise isolation. Both of these attribute make for a better listening experience especially at reduced volume levels. If you have ever looked for earphones for small ears, these are them. The design fits perfectly in my daughters' ears (ages 7 & 9).

Colors for Everyone
The Loud Enough earphones come in three colors (plum, mint, and blueberry), so kids can pick their favorite. The case is small and snaps shut, yet has plenty of room for the earphones and the spare ear tips. The semitransparent packaging is cool.

Conclusion
The Ultimate Ears Loud Enough earphones offers both protection and high quality sound geared for younger kids. For under $40, these earphones solve a big problem with today's youth. As a parent I can be certain that my kids are not damaging their little ears, so that the next time they ignore me when I call for them, they can't blame their hearing.

- Kevin Nakano

Music Player #1: Apple iPod Video 30GB (5th Generation)
Music Player #2: Microsoft Zune 30GB

Ultimate Ears - Loud Enough Volume Limiting Earphones

Specifications

Earphone:

• Type: in-ear
• Frequency response: 20Hz - 14kHz
• Impedance: 165 Ohms, 1kHz
• Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL/mW, 1kHz
• Speaker type: high performance, dynamic speaker
• Noise Isolation: 16dB
• Weight: 0.4 ounces (14 grams)

Connection:

• Cable length: 46 inches (116.8 cm)
• Input connector: 1/8 inch (3.5 mm), gold plated

Company Information
Ultimate Ears
5 Jenner Street, Suite 100
Irvine, CA 92618

Customer Service
Phone: 866-837-7734
Fax: 949-502-8379
Toll Free: 800-544-4660
Website: www.loudenough.com

Source: Manufacturer Supplied
MSRP: $39.99

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