James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of incorporating his favored tunes into his day-to-day life, effortlessly transitioning from Spotify at his work-desk to Pandora during his runs, and meticulously crafting playlists to perfectly enhance every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his continual partners, transforming his life into a completely soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the captivating world of music, but the very source of his joy may be damaging his treasured ability to hear without him recognizing it.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second approach.
What is the connection between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decrease in your auditory function. Hearing loss is commonly connected to growing older, but recent studies suggest that it is mainly caused by damage from exposure to loud sounds rather than being a normal part of aging.
Younger people are more prone to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental phase. And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting dangers of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone usage.
Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?
Unrestricted full volume is obviously the” hazardous” way to listen to music. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it typically includes turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and maintain the volume lower than 80 dB.
- If you’re under 18, 40 hours is still ok, just be sure to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or lower.
Breaking it down, you’re looking at approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. Although it may seem excessive, the time can go by unexpectedly fast. Even still, most people have a fairly strong concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re taught to do successfully from a really young age.
The more challenging aspect entails keeping track of your volume level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. It’s assessed on some random scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it could be as small as 1 to 16. You may not have any idea what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
Tips for effectively keeping track of your music volume
To address this problem, numerous free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply immediate feedback on surrounding noise levels, enabling users to fine-tune their listening volume to safe levels.
For this reason, many audiologists suggest using one of the numerous noise level monitoring applications available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises surrounding you. That way, you can monitor the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For instance, a noise level of 80 decibels is comparable to the sound generated by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s important to exercise heightened caution when noise levels exceed this critical point. Consider limiting exposure to overly loud music by indulging in select tracks at maximum volume instead of indulging in entire albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed decisions in order to promote safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing professional to schedule a thorough hearing examination. Proactive measures such as routine assessments can identify any potential issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and individualized recommendations to safeguard your vital sense of hearing.
