James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of incorporating his favorite music into his daily life, easily transitioning from Spotify at his desk to Pandora on his runs, and meticulously putting together playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his continual partners, converting his life into a completely soundtracked experience. However, while James gets relaxation and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be quietly weakening his precious sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second option.
What is the connection between prolonged exposure to music and hearing damage?
Over time, loud noises can bring about deterioration of your ability to hear. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as an issue related to aging, but an increasing amount of research suggests that it’s really the build-up of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything intrinsic in the process of aging.
Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental stage. However, teenagers tend to dismiss the potential hazards of excessive noise over time. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone use.
Can one listen to music without any safety issues?
Listening to music at full blast without any limits is the most dangerous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it usually 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 ensure the volume stays under 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level lower than 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. In spite of this, the majority of individuals have a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is usually perfected during early childhood.
The more difficult facet involves tracking your volume level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not display volume in decibels. It’s assessed on some arbitrary scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You may not have any idea what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
Tips for efficiently keeping track of your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this issue. These apps provide immediate feedback on surrounding noise levels, allowing users to adjust their listening volume to safe levels.
Because of this, many audiologists recommend utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking applications available at no cost. These extensively accessible apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. In this way, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make changes as necessary.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and beyond
For instance, a noise level of 80 decibels is comparable to the sound produced by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Acknowledging this standard is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial danger.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel limit is essential. Think about reducing exposure to overly loud music by enjoying select tracks at maximum volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Repeated exposure to increased volume levels can lead to hearing complications such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being cognizant of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make educated choices, with the paramount goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is recommended to consult a hearing professional to book a comprehensive hearing exam. Taking proactive steps like regular assessments can identify possible issues at an early stage, enabling quick actions and tailored advice to protect your valuable hearing.