I have thought a lot about this actually. I see women all the time (and some men) who are walking or jogging, with earphones on and their ipod going. They can't hear anything but their music. Someone could come up behind them and do anything. My mom was talking about walking while listening to her ipod and I didn't think that was a good idea. I like to be aware of my surroundings every minute, even in the daytime. Sunshine doesn't stop predators. Do you think it is safe to be outdoors doing something like that, when you can hear nothing but music? We all think it won't happen to us, but...
[question posted by AmbiePam]
responses and comments:
I tried walking once while listening to music on earphones. I had the volume up pretty high, and was enjoying myself when all of a sudden I felt a sharp pain in my rear. A neighbor's dog had run up behind me and bit, pretty hard, though the skin wasn't broken it still hurt. I haven't tried that again, though it might not be too bad if the volume is low enough to hear what's coming at you. [KarenO52]
I guess that is a good first hand example of what could happen. I would be hesitant to try it, myself. [GardenGerty]
I have also thought this when seeing them, they would not be able to hear traffic when crossing the road or anything really so I feel it is very unsafe indeed. We do all think it won't happen to us but like you say it does and often. I was attacked from behind a week before my son was due, luckily even though completely suprised I was able to defend (that nurturing mother wolf instinct I guess) and they ran off, but it certainly affected me and knocked my confidence big time and it is only recently that I have started going out again as life has made those changes to make me like receiing invitations I really cannot refuse to attend. You are right to be concerned about your mum and I would give her the same advice, or at least have the music on low enough to be able to hear the outside noises eh! Ellie :D [ellie333]
Wow, that would scare the heck out of me! I would have a hard time getting out again too. [AmbiePam]
I think you make a very good point. My hearing is not good and I can't hear anything behind me. Sometimes people think I am being rude or deliberately ignoring them if they come up behind me and say "excuse me" if they want me to step aside so they can pass. I can't hear bicycle bells or the sound of a cyclist approaching and it can be quite frightening when one suddenly zooms. I do try to be aware of anyone who is near me when I am out alone. I think listening to music would not be a good idea. People who are out to rob or attack will only do so if they see there is an opportunity to take someone unawares. [paid2write]
I don't think that it is safe.. I am sure that many people disagree with me but as for myself, I love to know what is going on around me.. I don't want any surprises, nor do I like to be startled.. I like to be able to hear if an ambulance or police car is coming up somewhere and especially like to be aware of stranger around me.. I wouldn't listen to one.. After all, I can be thinking at this time, sometimes when I am thinking, I am resolving my problems.. So it is not for me.. [DonnaLawson]
Thats a really true fact that you are chatting about.If you hearing is cut off then you wouldnt have a chance if someone pounced on you.I know its maybe wrong to think like that,but nowadays you just cannot be too careful.Take this morning when I was walking to the shop,well there was a gang of lads behing me,im always wary if anyone is behind me,and I know its wrong to think that a gang of las are any different to anyone else,but its just that when you are on your own you feel a bit threatened,well if I had been wearing ear pieces I wouldnt have known that anyone was behing me at all,and that could have been a real mistake on my part.I think that from what we read and what we hear we are made to realise that we just have to be careful. [ella1bella]
I think that it is more likely to make her a traffic victim. If she stays with a group, and is on good walking paths, she probably will be safe, but that is not always where and how people like to walk. I do not know if there are headsets that allow better awareness.It would be a good idea to get some. [GardenGerty]
In my mother's case there is a sidewalk that she stays on. But I've seen other people Jogging on the sidewalk, and when someone walking their dog passes them, it seems to catch them off guard. Which wouldn't bode well if someone wanted to create some trouble. [AmbiePam]
Hi!! Listening music is a good time pass, specially when a person is jogging or taking a stroll in a park. But it may be dangerous, while crossing the road or walking on a busy road, as this activities demands more care and attentions. Listening music can distract us, and hence, may make us prone to accidents. [chirantani]
Hello dear AmbiePam. I absolutely agree with you that it is not safe to listen to music while walking on the street for the sake of our safety. It is safe to listen to music while we are having a bus or train journey when we don't have to move around. Thank you very much for your nice discussion that is very helpful to us all. [williamjisir]
Excellent discussion. I see this all the time. I think it is very unsafe to listen to music on while outside walking or jogging. People do not think about the worse that can happen. They think it only happens to other people? [Yestheypayme2dothis]
hmm..seems like i heard of someone getting mugged while walking and listening to their iPod..they didnt know anyone was coming. Personally, if i had to listen to music while walking or jogging at a place other than the gym, i would probably just put one ear piece in and leave the other out so that I had one ear open to my surroundings....better to be safe than sorry! [AmberNormandin]
I think you should be aware of what is going on around you and that includes noises. [above31rubies]
It is definitely not safe to listen to music while you are outdoors. It might damage youe ears. It is dangerous. Moreover, when you are out, you should look at the surroundings. That will make one alert in life. Music is to be heard indoors, not outdoors. [kangallo]
I have thought a lot about the same thing too .in my opinion ,listen to music when outdoor is very dangerous when we on a busy road. the car move fast in the road may hit us and we may some people like a chindren or an old man .we will be aware of our surrounding every time ,and will made us very tird and to make some mistake .so i want the people dont listen to music on busy road. [lunmun]
I have always wondered about the safety of that myself- the one time I ran with my ipod I felt nervous the whole entire time! [kellys3ps]
I listen to my my music while Walking all the time but it is a good idea to only have one earphone one so that you are more aware of your surroundings and only walk in a public place because nowdays you can't be to careful of anything even in broad daylight because if they want something they will take it. So tell her to make sure her Ipod cannot be seen to have it under her shirt or something. I know some who walk with them in or on their bras. I think it is safe as long as you are looking around and be more alert when someone is within 100 ft of you. When we think we are untouchable or that it won't happen to us is when things do happen because we became to comfortable and unalert to the dangers around us. So tell her to walk with a partener or only have one earphone(earplug) in and she needs to carry a safety alarm I have one and one touch of a button sounds off a screechingly loud noise that is sure to get everyones attention or scare off a would be attacker. [mtdewgurl74]
Music should be heard in a lonely mood.This is highly beneficial as it gives inner energy.Music is not a joke.It has tremendous effect on the human body.It rejuvenates every part of the body. I am sometimes confused why they use music while jogging.I feel personally that this may not be helpful any way. [gyaneshwarrao]
I think it all depends on the person. If you feel safe you will listen. And I think if it was in a city it may be safer. But I live in a rural area and I see women wearing them all the time while out jogging in remote areas. I don't think I would do it, and I'm a guy. I'd like to know if someone is behind me, or coming up behind me....regardless of their intention. [maliki2]
I'm the same way. I'd rather be too suspicious than not careful enough. [AmbiePam]
yes same here,have thought of it too many a times. what i do is listen to music when i am on my way to work. i only use one ear phone . i do not block both my ears where i cannot hear anything but music. this way i get to be a bit causious at the same time listen to music. dont think that is so bad, what say? [monishavakil]
That is a good idea. [AmbiePam]
ambie I think it does depend a lot on where' the person jogs, is it in a safe place or a very public place, are there others around and are they jogging close to traffice? I myself would rather be able to hear what is going on around me and be alert at all times.You are right we think it cannot possibly happen to us but that's so wrong.I vote for no music myself. [Hatley]
thanks for best response much appreciated. [Hatley]
I used to do that too...wear headphones. I never thought of it as being dangerous. But I could hear things other then the music....I guess that's why I never thought of it...but I didn't have the music up loud. Which might make a difference. I have wondered too about people riding bike with them on....especially when they are riding on the side of a busy street. [jillhill]
I think it depends on where you are, Pam. If in the city where there is lots of crime, it is certainly dangerous. If out in the country, not so dangerous where I live.. still I would like to maybe have one ear listening to my surroundings and one ear listening to music. [OreoCookie3]
I think it really depends on the other people but as for me, I cannot walk or jog while listening to my MP3 player via earphone because I can't hear others and I am afraid I might get into an accident. [jesbellaine]
I see no problem with listening to music while outdoors as long as you set the volume of the earphone to the tolerable level,meaning you can still hear the noise on your surroundings. [alchemist00]
I know what you are saying. I am one of those that if I am out on my own will immediately use it as an excuse to get my headphones on and listen to music, it cuts me off from the rest of the world and I am immediately in my world. I have always done it, from being a child. I find it hard to believe that I now really have to consider my safety if I do this, I have it on quite loud too so I would never hear anyone behind me until it is too late. You are right I think most, if not all of us do not really believe that it will happen to us, it is still something that I just hear about on the news. Do you know what an old man said to me today? He asked me how old my daughter was, I told him 2, he said "you know, I am glad that I am not her age, I am glad to be old, the way the world is today I do not envy her youth at all" it struck me as quite sad, and he is right. [gemini_rose]
Wow, that is sad. What amazes me is that people think if they live in a low crime area that they are safe. I've heard people say they live in the country, so that is not likely to happen. I say that is all the more dangerous because a person is most likely to be jogging in a secluded area, perfect for a predator. [AmbiePam]
I am like you and like to be aware of my surroundings. I enjoy walking outside, but I go with my boyfriend then I have something to keep me occupied by talking to him about various things. [rmuxagirl]
not only can it be dangerous, but when you run, naturally, you turn the music pretty high. it may not seem like it but it will make you go deaf by the time your 20 if you do it as a teenager [n8despain]
That might not be safe but that is the whole reason for them to tune the world around you out so you don't get caught up in the wrong thing. But still whether you are paying attention or not something could happen and you have to deal with it. Even if you don't have the music things still can happen. I understand where you are coming from but you can't stop things that are met to happen in the universe of time. That we have not control over no matter how much attention we may pay to our surrounding. Some times we don't pay enough attention to what is right in our face. [twallace]
I think taking safety precautions keep things from happening. I don't think it is set in stone people will just be attacked. I like to listen to music when I'm outside. But if I'm aware of my surroundings, I'm much less likely to get hurt. To each his own, but we can definitely prevent some bad things from happening. Some, not all. [AmbiePam]
Years and years ago, I couldn't leave my apt without having my portable cassette player and headphones glued to my ears...My Panic disorder was a lot worse then and the music I played was usually classical which I found very soothing to my anxious nerves...I guess it's a sign that I'm so much better as now I would think it would be a distraction in more ways than one...and yes, one of them just not being really "aware" of ones surroundings..you're right a person can be just as easily mugged or worse in the daytime as night, and I would think having music blasting in ones ears would make people a lot less aware of any potential dangers to them [pyewacket]
Maybe at some time in the past that might have been alright but not in this day and age. Look at all the things you hear about happening to people. A person needs to be aware at all times because believe it or not you could be one of those people you see on the news. I don't think it is safe to listen to music when outdoors. I know I wouldn't listen to music outdoors because I get totally into the music and wouldn't hear someone coming from behind. [sunshinelady]
Well i think it is ok unless you are going to thoese dangerous road where by cars traveling very fast yea . [Sir_bobby88]
Or in the dark. I understand some people work where the only time they can jog is at night, but sheesh, that isn't a good time. [AmbiePam]
Well, I put on my earphones full volume when taking the bus to the office, it helps me through the 'bussing' experience. Maybe people shouldn't put full volume while listening to music alone and walking in public, that way they can hear music and still listen to their surroundings. [ucancallmedissy]
I thought about it a lot too. I love listening to music when im at the outdoors, like when I'm walking to the bus or train station, in the bus, in the train. My girlfriend doesn't encourage me to listen to music when we travel as those who listens to music while travelling, especially walking or jogging, have their focus only on the music and not their surrounding. It is good that you are aware of your surroundings. I have less awareness as i don't expect bad things to happen by just listening to the music. Thats why my girlfriend is worried a lot about me when i listen to music while walking to the station or even crossing the road . Another thing she told me about when im listening to the music, i always play it too loud that people next to me can even hear what i'm listening. And she always ask me what if a car honking and a big truck loses control of his Wheels and the screeching Tires can't even penetrate the sound of the music i'm playing in my ears! What if people are screaming , etc. What is the point to listen to music while walking and even worst, you play it so loud that the whole world can listen! Thats how i got nagged everytime i try to put a set of headphones into my ears lol. I've changed now even though nothing happened while im listening to my music outdoors, but because she care a lot about my safety, i want her to be less worried. So i decided to listen to the music only when i'm in the bus or train and of course with two conditions, firstly, no loud music, secondly, only have one earphone plugged. Let the other ear listen to the world outside :) So be safe people. [frontier2002]
You make a good point there ambiepam. I do listen to music when I'm walking through bike trails but not very loudly though because I know bikes often beep before they pass and they scare the hell out of me if my music is up too loud and I can't hear their horn, and then they whizz past. I know when I'm walking alone I'm always looking around my surroudings, often changing by walking backwards every now and then and keeping my music low. I often stop and stretch and take a good look around and then continute on. I carry my house keys and one of them is quite long and if I have to will use that as a weapon if I needed to. [maddysmommy]
hahahaha got me laughing though. [maddysmommy]
I think anyone should be carefull anywhere. Espicially going outdoors and not knowing what noise or who is behind us could be dangerous. [cheers55]
Well. I have thought about this too. I see people do it all the time. I suppose, if you make sure you are still aware of your surroundings.. its Not to big of a problem.. but if you get distracted.. it could be potentially dangerous. It's Not a good idea on a busy road because you absolutley can't hear cars at all. I guess on a sidewalk there is always a risk of being kidnapped.. but i guess thats your call. I probably would do it on the sidewalk.. just not in the road. [Twogen1987]
Perhaps it is safe,if you are in a public place. I think i´t can be dangerous,if you´r for example jogging or walking with earphones on,in the wood,or in a street there you´re alone [Garfield1]
I don't think it is especially if we cross the street, I am afraid that some crazy drivers will hit me and run because I have no idea they are coming and boom I am down not knowing what hit me. Criminals too are my other worries. [LittleMel]
I often worry about this when I see people jogging with their headphones on especially when it's beginning to get dark. it's so important to be aware of what/who's around you at all times. Maybe if the volume was down really low and there were plenty of people around that would be ok but it's very risky. Also, it bothers me when I see young hoons with their music up full blast while they're driving their ugly hotted up cars. I have noticed that when I have my music up higher than usual (but still not half as loud as these hooligans) I have trouble hearing sirens that are coming up behind me. Once an ambulance was probably only 100 metres behind me before I realised it was coming. It scared me and since then I constantly look in my rear mirror for emergency vehicles like that and i keep my music at a decent volume. I think when you're out and about it's so important to be aware of your surroundings. [coffeeshot]
I have been scared out of my wits by people jogging in the dark. A lot of times they aren't wearing bright colors, or an armband that would reflect off of car lights. So I don't see them until I'm almost upon them. [AmbiePam]
I think it depends on the area where you live, where I live it would be very safe but some areas of the city, I would no do it. You have very good points, people could come up and mugged you or worse. [winterose]
..well.... i am a music lover....!! ..and whenever i'm going somewhere alone, i always bring my mp4 with me and listen to it when im on my way.. i think it is a safe way to make your self not approachable to strangers,..(if you get what i mean..) ..and when im with my earphones, i think im in a different world that i never notice the time that had passed,. fye [fyie01]
I say it's a bad idea to listen to headphones while jogging, walking, riding a bike, or even driving a car (I've seen it been done). My dad always taught me to be aware of my surroundings. We might think it's nice to listen to music while we're doing these things, but we shouldn't do so at a risk to our own safety. While riding a bike in a city or crowded area, cars can and sometimes do try to run people on bikes off the road. You should always be aware of what is going on around you and taking away your sense of hearing makes everything a little more dangerous. I think it's okay to hang out in your yard with the stereo on, where you can still hear things or listening to the radio in your car where you could still hear a siren if it was going off, but more than that could be unsafe. [phoenix25]
No, I don't think it is. It's better to be aware of your surroundings all the time. If you're going to listen to music while jogging or walking, it's better to do it on a treadmill in a gym or at home. At least, you won't be putting your life at risk on the streets where anything unexpected (like accidents and random acts of violence) can happen. [jing_ocampo]
hello ambie, i do not think so. as long as they are not on the streets where vehicles are passing by. here is the reality, everything that we do are very risky and if we always are afraid that things might happen, then it will. we just have to do it. i agree, it is a precautionary measure but if give in to all the "what if's " then we will leave in fear. [tigerdragon]
I'm not advocating living in fear. This is not a fear of mine that I will be attacked when out walking. It is simply an observation that is sometimes overlooked to the detriment of vulnerable women and men. I live in apartment complex with shootings and stabbings that happen sporadically. If I were to fear anything it would be that. But strangely I'm not. It seems only the ones involved in the crime circle of the complex get hurt. So far that is. : ( [AmbiePam]
That's a very good point, AmbiePam. I don't often use my iRiver when I'm out and about, simply because I really enjoy listening to the sounds of day-to-day life - the wind, cars, people talking, walking and such, but not so much as a Security measure, but now that you mention it, for me at least, knowledge of what's going on by sound as well as sight is really important to avoid danger and injury. I naturally have the volume down when I have music playing through my earphones, and I think others should do the same, and be aware of their surroundings. "We all think it won't happen to us, but..." [Malyck]
iPods and other MP3 players have revolutionized the way people listen to music. These devices can pipe a jukeboxful of music directly into the ears of people on the go. There are real dangers posed to these individuals even if they choose to ignore this in preference of enjoying their music. You are right that being so immersed in such an activity, these people become oblivious to their surroundings and to the real dangers that may lurk around like an intruder. If they walk along a street and come into the path of a vehicle, they may not hear the approaching sound of the vehicle or someone shouting out to warn them of danger, and that puts them at great risk. Health experts also warn that these devices are becoming a hazard to the ears. The little ear buds that are used with iPods can greatly magnify the volume of music. People will place these buds all the way down into their ear canals, and the small area down there absorbs all the sound that's emitted. And with music cranked up loud into the ears for hours each day, potential hearing loss will become a real health issue for many of this generation's people. It's already happening, and I reckon it will only get worse. [lexus54]
The dangers are very real whether people choose to accept them or not. People need to have cognizance of these real potential dangers and take adequate measures, like toning down the volume, not subjecting their ears to loud music too often, etc. It's really for their own protection and no one else's. They can choose to deny that there are harmful effects, but this will only be to their own peril. If they become hard of hearing by their middle age, it may be too late to repair the damage done. People don't have to be paranoid and can still enjoy their MP3 or MP4 music, but know the dangers, exercise care and apply common sense to situations. [lexus54]
Maybe it is depend on the person who will used it outside, I do put headphones and listen to the music but in a minimize mode only so that I can hear the outside noise. Specially here in my country it is not safe if we are not attentive in the streets because there are some bad guys that if they knew that the person is very relax they might do what they want from us. Thats why I just minimize the volume.happy [lynboobsy11]
It seems to me that you are afraid of everything??? I walk around with my headphones on all the time and im not afraid of someone walking up to me. Im not afraid of preditors or anyone. [nosferatu07]
Then it is best to comment on what we know about, which is what I did. [AmbiePam]
I like to hear music (radio,usually) while out on my bike-but I keep the sound level down so that I'm aware of other traffic coming up from behind at all times-even on a quiet road,I am aware of the sound of my own tyres-Wind noise in my ears at speed would be more of a problem for Me! Even so,I'd agree with those having concerns on the risk with walking or Jogging and listening to music... [ShepherdSpy]
I agree with you that daylight doesn't stop crimes or accidents so when I am walking, I turn off my cellphone/mp3 player. I only turn it on when I am already seated or inside the bus or train to fight boredom. When I am with someone, I dont open it because it is a sign of disrespect for me. [chrysz]
i don't think its that safe. but you can put it to a minimal volume that you can hear the song and the surroundings as well. and you have to be especially careful when you do that. [szechow_ong]
I think if you are jogging on sidewalks in highly populated areas it is probably OK. However if you are biking or running on a road it is not a good idea because you can't here cars. Also if you are jogging or walking at night, or early in the morning when it is still a bit dark, you are asking for trouble. Also if you are walking or jogging in a forest preserve or someplace similiar that is very un-wise. I don't think women should do that alone in any circumstance. [ladym33]
I totally agree with you, that one becomes less aware of their surroundings, and it can be dangerous. If that's not bad enough, the loud volume, due to the outdoor noises (noise-cancelling ear-phones may even be worse), will cause a deterioration in hearing abilities, and worse case scenerio over time, possible deafness. Scary! [Britelite]
No i do not think that is safe at all. Even with volume down low it is still dangerous. [jdyrj777]
Personally, I feel that it is safe because I am one who occasionally have my earphones on while I am on the road. However, the volume is not on full blast. I can still hear what it happening around me. LOL. I think it is dangerous only if the person is too engrossed in the music while jaywalking. [whyaskq]
I just think it depends on where you live! There are places that I would not do it... on the other hand... m aybe I would feel safer cause I would be ignoring my surrondings.. I don't know! All I know is where I live... headphones are the thing>... nothing really to worry about! [KKKBsmom]
I listen to music (loudly) as I walk home from school. However, I'm somehow still a little paranoid about these things, and occasionally I'll pause my music to listen to my surroundings. On days when I'm feeling extra paranoid, I'm glad that on my walk home I travel east-ward. As a result, the sun sets behind me, making long shadows ahead of me. By watching the ground, I can see people coming because their shadows are several feet in front of them. But this is just me being very paranoid. [LupusEvolve]
People need to be careful when using their IPOD's while jogging. I myself would not do that. Always be aware of who is around you. One never knows what could happen. [kaleegirl45]
I will often take along my MP3 player when I am going to sit outside and commune with nature, AmbiePam, but neither do I believe it is a good idea to do other outdooor activities while listening to music. For safety reasons we have to be alert at all times. Such is the world we live in. I think it is foolhardy whenever I see someone jogging or even just walking down the street totally absorbed in listening to their music.happy [worldwise1]
It all depends on whether you have those sound canceling headphones, whether you have the sound way up high, or whether you have regular earphones and have the volume down low enough so you are not deaf in later life or the neighborhood molester decides to attack you. You do get wrapped up in the music and it is difficult to be aware and I am sure many rapists and other bad people target joggers for that reason. However if you are exercising, music does make the time go faster so instead of thinking "I have to do forty minutes of walking," you can think "as soon as I hear "Sea of Love" then I've gone my walking for the day. [suspenseful]
I live in a rural area, and there have been stories around here about people walking, skiing, ATVing, jogging, bicycling on a railroad track, wearing headphones, and getting hit by a train because they didn't hear it coming. It seems rather weird that they wouldn't even feel the train coming but I guess if you're in that physical zone you may not realize your surroundings. I have seen people driving with headphones on, and that is just plain stupid. Maybe it's hands-free, but being able to listen to traffic around you is important. There are good times for headphones, like when you are working out in the gym, or in your home when you don't want to bother others. [kbkbooks]
Finally! someone who thinks like I do! Who has a paranoid bone.. Yes, I definitely think like that if I see someone going along with an ipod stuck in their ear.. or rather the earphonehappy. Actually I think about it if I see (especially) a woman walking along a country road or a jogging path or through a large park by herself! It's just heartbreaking when you hear of abductions and such and wish people would be lots more careful. They say one of the preventive measures is to show you are very aware of your surroundings.. of course that might not help if you're isolated somewhere with said predator close by.. In which case it's best to not be isolated! I always am a little dumbfounded when I hear a woman was jogging on a mountain pass or something, then came up missing.. I would advise all folks not to ever be isolated like that.. And also, work places need to do more to ensure the safety of their workers whenthey leave their establishment late at night or in the wee hours of the morning. [flowerchilde]
LOL, I should be paranoid, but I don't think I am. If I were, maybe I wouldn't walk my dog at 4am. I know, I know, I shouldn't. But I guarantee you I don't wear earphones. And I carry a mighty weapon - a flashlight. lol [AmbiePam]
i think its not safe to listen to music when outdoors because you can't hear anything especially when it is in high volume. you do not know when accident occurs. [yayang0405]
yeah i had observed that too..maybe for them its quite relaxing while jogging keeps their mind off so many things and enjoy the music on ipod or whatever they had on their ears..well i guess yes..just being optimistic.. [vanities]
I have thought of this thing very often too. as i have observed almost 80% of all the people i see were wearing earphones. may it be in the street, in the bus, in the train, walking, running, they seem to be everywhere, whether it be boy or girl, old or young. i usually wonder why do they have to do that? is it safe? i once try wearing earphones while walking home and i put the volume pretty much high. i was listening to mariah carey's music. i was pretty much enjoying it when suddenly my fiancee grabbed me by arms, pulling me away from the street. it was quite scary. when i removed my earphones, he was really mad at me coz i almost been hit by a racing car with my right leg and i haven't noticed it because of the music in my ears. since then i haven't done it again not unless i was inside a safe car for a longer drive. i think it is not really safe at all to wear headphones in the streets. they should think safety first. anyway accidents happens anytime anywhere. [angel_kaycee]
I would not feel safe listening to music and walking around town. You just never know when something bad could happen. Especially in this day and age. [LakeSuperior67]
Woah! that is sooo true. I think the best way to enjoy listening to music when outdoors is to slow the volume down but not to the point that you can't hear anything. You can still be aware of your surroundings while listening to your favorites. [athinapie]
I agree. There can be a balance. [AmbiePam]
yes it is safe only if the music is kept on low volume so tht v can hear the voices while walkin or driving... [vindakothari]
I think it depends where you are walking, but I would never consider wearing earphones whilst Cycling in traffic like you see so many people doing. That's just asking for an accident! [GreenMoo]
happyMaybe I shouldn't do any vacuuming in case I don't hear something dangerous. Listening to music through headphones doesn't make you deaf or blind....happy. Unless of course you have the volume up so loudly that you are actually damaging your delicate hairs in the ear canal and these can never be repaired once damaged. The lesson here is never listen to music that is too loud...or any sound for that matter. [MsTickle]
My apologies if I've offended you Ambiepam...it was just my take on your discussion. [MsTickle]
I used to never think about it, but my hair stylist recently was talking about how this woman was walking/jogging while listening to her ipod, and these boys/men came up behind her and ended up beating her unconscious with Baseball bats for no reason. It's so scary that there are so many people out there with no regards for others, and would do things like this but similar things happen every day. Prior to hearing that, I did bring my ipod when going on a walk around the neighborhood. However, I'd leave the volume down low enough so I could still listen for cars coming down the road as I live in a rural area with no side walks. [ashlee67]
it isn't really safe do listen to music when your outside walking around because it does distract you from what is going on around you. i tend to talk on my phone when i'm walking and that isn't really all that safe either but i seem to get to where i'm going faster when i am doing it then when i don't so even tho it is not safe according to statistics i will continue doing it cause i feel safer with someone on the phone with me when i'm walking alone [mouse27]
I use to always listen to my walkman when I was younger. After I got robbed at gunpoint in 2001, I never did this again. I wasn't wearing them that day. but it did confirm one of my fears. I also have hearing loss in my left ear. I believe it is due to the headphones. [Rozie37]
How they can enjoy music all the time? I think the sound of nature is more beautiful and better than the music.And as you said it is dangerous also.We can see many people riding motor cycles and cars with earphones.Thanks for sharinghappy [naseefu]
I always have some form of music playing. I have really good hearing, so I don't need to turn it up extremely loud. My hearing is sensitive, so I need something in my ear to drown out the loud sounds of the traffic. It's low enough that I'm still aware of what is happening around me, but loud enough that the traffic doesn't hurt my head. [danishcanadian]
Listening to your mp3 or iPOD while you are walking or jogging or even laying out at the beach is just as safe as anything else you do these days. I mean, while driving people listen to the radio, cds and with the newer cars you can't hear outside the car. Yes, you should remove your head Phones while you cross the street. But, if you go life worried about every little thing, then how would you get anything done. It someone is going to rip you off or attack you, they are going to do it with or without your music. - Reverend James, FL. USA - [cyberopjames]
Hi Spookybutt, I would think that if someone's going to sneak up behind you and do naughty things, then perhaps it's best to keep the music up loud so you DON'T know what's happening - or at least choose something with a catchy beat so that it all goes well together... On the matter of music choice, if people would just select music appropriate to their inner selves, then they wouldn't need to expend all that effort jogging because they'd be floating around the joint in the Lotus position instead. The let's see someone sneak up on them - they won't be able to float sneakily if their hearts aren't pure! [dodoguy]
I really do not think its wise to jog or walk with your ears glued to an ipod as you cannot fully be aware of all thats going on around your. It only takes a few seconds for someone to steal your purse or even whack you over the head. I like to be aware of what is going on around me at all times. Predators we have with us always. [Hatley]
There has actually been a recommendation made not so long ago on this. The volume of your musical device should not block out the sounds of someone standing in front of you talking. I think too many people ignore recommendations because they want to blot the whole world out, but safety should come first. Also, the long term damage to you ears is a major concern and puts increasing pressure on our health care systems. I always have one ear bud in and the other sitting over my ear but not blocking the ear canal. That way, I can hear very clearly what is going on around me and still hear my music well enough. [newzealtralian]