A new study shows two out of every five high school students surveyed said they set the volume of their MP3 players at a volume level so high, it puts them at risk of hearing loss.

It seems 14-year-old Zach Howard has sprouted two new white veins, electronic ones that pump loud music into his ears.

"I listen during break, all day next period, during lunch," Howard tells NBC11's Marianne Favro.

Yes, Howard spends a lot of time with his friend, the iPod.

"Usually, in a day, at least six hours or more," says Howard.

Six hours of full-throttle volume.

Howard says, "I can just hear music. I can't hear anyone else talking to me."

Including us during our interview.

Audiologists say it's a "budding" problem

A new survey of high school students found 17 percent of them have ringing in their ears after wearing earbuds for their iPod or other portable listening devices.

Brenda Lonsbury-Martin, of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says, "The poll showed high school students had to turn the volume up on the TV to hear it, that they often had to ask the speaker to repeat themselves and they had ringing in their ears. These are all cardinal signs of hearing loss."

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association says an iPod or MP3 player played at the highest volume is comparable to a jet plane taking off, with both at nearly 120 decibels. Audiologists say sound below 85 decibels is ideal for listening.

Audiologists say that could mean a heavy user in high school could suffer hearing loss by age 25.

Since the warning often falls on deaf ears, audiologist Dr. Brian Filgor says parents need to get involved.

Filgor says, "Turn the volume on your TV really loud then put your earphones in. If you can still hear the dialogue then the volume is okay. If not, it's too high."

As for Zach Howard, he has no intention of cutting back on his iPod use.

Howard says, "It keeps me entertained."

The question is: Would you be entertained listening to jets taking off all day?

Because scientists say that's the same decibel level of wearing a cranked up portable stereo.

To prevent hearing loss, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends you limit your MP3 player use to just an hour a day.

Also, reduce the volume to 60 percent and upgrade your earbuds to block ambient sounds so you can keep the volume low.

For more information, visit the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Web site.