Meet James, an avid music fan who seamlessly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. He’s seldom observed without his headphones, which have become an essential part of his day-to-day life, turning every moment into an individualized audio adventure. James takes comfort and delight in the captivating world of music, but the very source of his joy might be harming his cherished ability to hear without him recognizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and unsafe ways to indulge in music. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the relationship between prolonged exposure to music and hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decrease in your auditory function. Hearing loss is commonly linked to growing older, but the latest studies indicate that it is mainly triggered by damage from exposure to loud sounds rather than being a normal part of aging.
It also appears that younger ears are especially susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still developing, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the permanent perils of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone usage.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unlimited full volume is clearly the” dangerous” way to listen to music. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it typically includes turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume stays below 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Forty hours week is roughly five hours and forty minutes a day. Although it might seem excessive, the time can go by surprisingly fast. Even still, most individuals have a pretty strong concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re trained to do successfully from a very young age.
The harder part is keeping track of your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. Its value is determined using a rather subjective or relative scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might not have any clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to effectively track your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this issue. These apps supply real-time information into ambient noise levels, equipping users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
That’s why most hearing specialists advise the use of one of many free noise monitoring apps. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. In this way, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments accordingly.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For example, a volume level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this standard is essential, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a substantial hazard.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel limit is important. Think about decreasing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By remaining mindful of when our ears move into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed choices, with the paramount goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing exam
To further prioritize your hearing health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing test. Taking proactive actions like consistent assessments can identify possible issues at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.