Meet James, a passionate music fan who seamlessly incorporates Spotify into his work regimen, switches to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. He’s seldom observed 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.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to enjoy music. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in a decrease in your auditory ability. Hearing loss is commonly connected to getting older, but the latest studies indicate that it is primarily triggered by damage from exposure to loud sounds instead of being a natural part of getting older.
Younger individuals are more sensitive 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 permanent perils of high volume. A growing amount of young people are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Can one listen to music without any safety issues?
Listening to music at full blast without any limitations is the most hazardous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it typically involves turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume remains under 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with about 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. Though it might seem excessive, the time can pass surprisingly fast. Even still, most people have a pretty solid concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re trained to do effectively from a really young age.
The harder part is keeping track of your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. It’s measured on some arbitrary scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how near you are to reaching that limit.
Tips for effectively keeping track of your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this problem. These apps offer real-time insights into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why most hearing specialists encourage the use of one of many free noise monitoring apps. These widely obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the background noise around you. That way, you can monitor the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and beyond
By way of illustration, 80 dB is roughly comparable to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Acknowledging this benchmark is essential, as it represents the limit beyond which hearing damage becomes a substantial hazard.
It’s important to exercise heightened vigilance when noise levels exceed this critical point. Think about reducing exposure to excessively loud music by enjoying certain tracks at full volume instead of indulging in complete albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can result in hearing problems such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed choices in order to promote safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing exam
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Taking practical steps like regular assessments can identify possible issues at an early stage, enabling quick actions and tailored advice to protect your valuable hearing.