James is a music enthusiast who has excelled in the art of integrating his favored music into his day-to-day life, effortlessly transitioning from Spotify at his workdesk to Pandora on his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s working out, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his continual companions, converting his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and joy in the captivating realm of music, but the very source of his joy may be damaging his treasured ability to hear without him recognizing it.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to enjoy music. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
How does prolonged music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decline in your auditory ability. Hearing loss is typically connected to getting older, but recent studies suggest that it is mainly caused by damage from exposure to loud sounds instead of being a normal part of getting older.
It also appears that younger ears are particularly vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting perils of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone use.
Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?
Listening to music at full blast without any limitations is the most hazardous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it typically involves turning the volume down. The general rules 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 younger than 18, 40 hours is still fine, just be certain to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or lower.
Forty hours per week translates into roughly five hours and forty minutes a day. Though it may seem excessive, the time can go by surprisingly fast. Despite this, the majority of individuals have a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is generally perfected during early childhood.
The more difficult aspect entails keeping track of your sound level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not show volume in decibels. Its value is calculated using a rather subjective or relative scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might 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, a number of free noise monitoring applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide real-time insights into ambient noise levels, equipping users to adjust their music volume accordingly.
That’s why most hearing specialists encourage the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These widely accessible apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the background noise around you. In this way, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make changes as necessary.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and beyond
As example, 80 dB is approximately comparable to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Recognizing this standard is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a tangible risk.
It’s crucial to exercise heightened vigilance when noise levels surpass this critical point. Think about reducing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Extended 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 cognizant of when our ears move into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed decisions, with the paramount goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Set up an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing exam. Taking practical actions like consistent assessments can pinpoint possible issues at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.