James is a music enthusiast who has excelled in the art of integrating his favorite music into his day-to-day life, easily shifting from Spotify at his desk to Pandora on his runs, and meticulously crafting playlists to perfectly enhance 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 integral part of his daily life, transforming every moment into an individualized audio experience. However, while James gets solace 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 approach.
What is the link between prolonged exposure to music and hearing damage?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in a decline in your auditory function. Hearing loss is typically connected to getting older, but the latest studies indicate that it is mostly caused by damage from exposure to loud sounds rather than being a normal part of getting older.
It also appears that younger ears are especially susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still developing, after all). However, teenagers tend to disregard the possible risks of excessive noise over time. 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?
Unregulated full volume is obviously the” hazardous” way to listen to music. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it normally 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.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still fine, just be certain to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours week is about five hours and forty minutes a day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. Even still, most people have a fairly solid concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re taught to do successfully from a very young age.
The harder part is keeping track of your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. Its value is established utilizing a somewhat subjective or relative scale. Perhaps 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 real-time information into ambient noise levels, empowering users to adjust their music volume accordingly.
Because of this, 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 surrounding you. That way, you can monitor the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For example, a noise level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound generated by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this volume level is important because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel threshold is important. Think about reducing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make educated decisions in order to promote safer listening habits.
Set up an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Taking proactive steps like consistent screenings can identify possible issues at an early stage, enabling quick actions and customized advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.