Can you hear me now?

The New York Times released an article outlining the policy claim that headphones are damaging hearing abilities and that headphone usage should be reduced among America's youth. This article begins by stating that "One in five teenagers in America can't hear rustles or whispers" (Heffernan). It also states that the number of teenagers with hearing loss has grown 33% since 1994 (Heffernan). These facts and statistics give this claim a strong logos appeal. The grounds for this claim is that this loss is due to the introduction and popularity of the Ipod and other music/media players that play music loudly through headphones. This article also contains substantial backing through the use of additional statistics and information to support the claim that headphones are the cause. The article closes with a pathos appeal by saying, "... protecting our kids' hearing is not just as important as protecting their brains; It is protecting their brains." (Heffernan) This leaves the viewer with the final thought that it is their duty to protect their children and headphones are harming them. This article contains a valid argument with a strong logos appeal, but adding a greater pathos appeal might make it stronger. If the author adds a real world testimony of a teenager who's hearing has been impacted by the use of headphones, it will be more emotionally effective in convincing the audience that headphones are harmful and should have limited use among America's youth.

Photo: http://static01.nyt.com/images/2011/01/09/magazine/09medium_span/09medium_span-articleLarge.jpg
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/magazine/09FOB-medium-t.html?_r=0