The Vice-O-Meter: Dr. Oz Helps You Kick Your Worst Habits

Listening to Loud Music

Vice-O-Meter: 4

The Harm:
One tune-fueled cardio session could be enough to damage your ears. Researchers at Ghent University in Belgium found that after 60 minutes of listening to pop-rock on earbuds or headphones (at 50 to 100 percent of an iPod's maximum volume), subjects suffered significant short-term hearing deterioration. Over time, repeated exposure to loud music can lead to permanent damage. These days hearing loss is becoming more and more common in young people.

The Cure:
Turn down the volume. If you exercise in a noisy setting, try sound-isolating headphones. They block ambient noise, so you can hear your music at a lower volume.