James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of integrating his favorite tunes into his daily life, easily shifting from Spotify at his workdesk to Pandora on his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to perfectly complement every activity, whether he’s working out, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s rarely observed without his headphones, which have become an important part of his day-to-day life, turning every moment into a personalized audio adventure. However, while James gets relaxaction and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he treasures could be silently weakening his priceless sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second option.
What is the link between prolonged exposure to music and hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decrease in your auditory ability. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as an issue associated with growing old, but an increasing amount of research indicates that it’s really the build-up of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything intrinsic in the process of aging.
It also appears that younger ears are especially vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to dismiss the possible hazards of excessive noise over time. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone use.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unlimited full volume is clearly the” dangerous” way to listen to music. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which typically means reducing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are typically as follows:
- 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 looking at about 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. Even still, most people have a pretty solid concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do successfully from a really young age.
The more difficult facet entails keeping track of your volume level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not show volume in decibels. It’s gauged on some arbitrary scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it could be as narrow as 1 to 16. You might not have any clue 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 issue, numerous free noise tracking applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide real-time insights into ambient noise levels, enabling users to adjust their music volume accordingly.
Because of this, many audiologists suggest using one of the numerous noise level tracking applications available at no cost. These apps– extensively available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises surrounding you. That way, you can keep track of the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
As example, 80 dB is roughly equivalent to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Identifying this volume level is significant because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
It’s important to exercise heightened vigilance when noise levels exceed this critical point. Think about reducing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can trigger hearing complications such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being cognizant of when our ears move into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make informed decisions, with the paramount goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Make an appointment for a hearing evaluation
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is recommended to contact a hearing professional to schedule a thorough hearing examination. Taking practical actions like consistent assessments can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and tailored advice to protect your valuable hearing.