headphones and health

[semo]

can somebody tell me how to protect against the effects of using headphones (or earphones ). i'm talking about the bacteria (heard something about bacteria increasing 3000-fold when using headphones) and obviously the hearing damage.
would these be better than these?

my logic is that since you don't stick the 'em in your years the former ones are better (reducing bacteria as well as imroving sound q) but what about the hearing damage? and are there gizmos that can give you the decibel level of the sound you are listening to. i heard that below 80dB is ok. i've tried searching for information but no facts... just advice.
so anyone who knows about this stuff or has better googling skills please educate/direct me .

 

[WobbleWobble]

Generally decent earbuds use some form of bacterial resistent material. You can also give them a wipe down buds with rubbing alcohol to kill bacteria and stuff.

But I don't like sharing my ear buds with others myself.

 

[Calin]

I've heard rubbing alcohol has no bactericid properties whatsoever - it only cleans. I think "ear buckets" might be better than ear buds, however, for them to be any kind of comfort, you should use some that don't touch your ears at all (I tried once and there is a huge difference in confort)

 

[semo]

links?
i'm looking for something i don't have to stick in my ears

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: Calin
I've heard rubbing alcohol has no bactericid properties whatsoever - it only cleans. I think "ear buckets" might be better than ear buds, however, for them to be any kind of comfort, you should use some that don't touch your ears at all (I tried once and there is a huge difference in confort)

Not that I've done the experiment, but most rubbing alcohol is 70% isopropanol - not many bacteria will survive that.