Christian Oliver writes that mp3 and other compression codecs eliminate some sounds which a listener does not normally hear. However, during playback, the missing range of sounds is not added back into the audio. What kind of affects could this have on listeners' hearing?
Admittedly, I don't have the technical expertise to digest this piece in depth. It also appears more speculation than scientific fact. But the point is well-taken. Our society is turning toward compressing all digital audio files. Shouldn't we be investigating the possible long term consequences?
Oliver does suggest that there might be an easy solution: at playback, reinsert random natural sounds to replace the missing audio.
Re: Ear damage by MP3, DVD and digital television?
A number of people have pointed out that there are quite a few postings on this same site that seem to indicate the author is, shall we say, [insert polite euphemism for "a kook" here]
This would be a great page to use for having students check the validity of sources.