Intermediate passages 1 The best recruiting agents

22 Headset stereos

Most headset stereos have one thing in common: they can cause hearing loss. Studies have shown that sound levels from the machines can reach 115 decibels or more - roughly equivalent to standing 100 feet from a commercial jet at the moment of take-off. At that level, permanent hearing damage can occur after just 15 minutes. And the earlier a child begins using a headset, the more damage can accumulate. Loud noise causes hearing loss by killing irreplaceable hair cells in the inner ear. Normally, the process occurs slowly as people age, but noise damage can accelerate it. Noise-induced hearing loss is insidious; damage may not be apparent until later in life. Since headsets are used privately, parents often don't realize how loud their children's music is.

1. The effect of loud noise, as stated in the passage

A) is not always noticed before it has already damaged the ear B) is greater as people become older
C) caused by commercial jets is irreparable D) is more damaging for the ear than anything else

2. The normal process of hearing loss

1. 
   can start at any age, depending upon the condition of the person's ears
   
2. 
   can be sped up by the harm done by loud noise
   
3. 
   occurs if the person is frequently subjected to loud noise
   
4. 
   is noticed only when irreplaceable hair cells in the inner ear have been killed
   

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3. 
   Unable to hear the music their child is listening to through a headset, parents A) are advised not to buy one for their child
   

B) can't easily understand what kind of music he is interested in

C) are advised to take the child to the doctor more frequently to have his ears checked D) don't have the opportunity to control the intensity of the sound