James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of incorporating his favored music into his day-to-day life, easily transitioning from Spotify at his desk to Pandora during his runs, and meticulously putting together playlists to perfectly complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s seldom seen without his headphones, which have become an essential part of his daily life, turning every moment into an individualized audio adventure. James takes comfort and delight in the captivating realm of music, but the very source of his joy might be damaging his cherished ability to hear without him realizing it.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
How does prolonged music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud music can lead to a decline in your auditory function. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as an issue related to growing old, but more and more research reveals that it’s actually the build-up of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything inherent in the process of aging.
It also turns out that younger ears are especially vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to dismiss the potential risks of excessive noise over time. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone use.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast without any limits is the most hazardous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it usually includes 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 below 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level lower than 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re looking at approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. Though it may seem excessive, the time can go by surprisingly fast. Even still, most people have a fairly solid concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do successfully from a very young age.
The harder part is monitoring your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. Its value is calculated utilizing a somewhat subjective or relative scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it might be as narrow as 1 to 16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how near you are to reaching that limit.
How to effectively monitor your music volume
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this issue. These apps supply real-time insights into ambient noise levels, empowering users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
For this reason, many audiologists suggest using one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises around you. In this manner, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make changes as necessary.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For instance, a volume 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. Acknowledging this benchmark is essential, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s crucial to exercise heightened caution when noise levels exceed this critical point. Consider reducing exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in select tracks at full volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By remaining aware of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make educated decisions, with the paramount goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Set up an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing test. Taking practical actions like consistent assessments can identify possible issues at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.