Say hello to James, an avid music enthusiast who perfectly incorporates Spotify into his work routine, switches to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. He’s rarely seen without his headphones, which have become an essential part of his day-to-day life, turning every moment into an individualized audio adventure. However, while James gets relaxation and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be silently damaging his precious sense of hearing.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to indulge in music. Sadly, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the connection between prolonged exposure to music and hearing loss?
As time pass, loud noises can lead to degeneration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is typically linked to getting older, but recent studies indicate that it is mainly triggered by damage from exposure to loud noises rather than being a normal part of getting older.
It also appears that younger ears are particularly vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to dismiss the possible risks of excessive noise over time. A growing number of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss due to frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast with no limits is the most dangerous strategy. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which typically means lowering the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are normally as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume stays below 80 dB.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still ok, just be sure to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with about 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. Although it may seem excessive, the time can pass unexpectedly fast. Despite this, most individuals possess a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is typically perfected during early childhood.
The more challenging aspect entails tracking your volume level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. It’s gauged on some arbitrary scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might not have any idea what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to properly monitor your music volume
To address this issue, a number of free noise monitoring applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide real-time insights into ambient noise levels, empowering users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
For this reason, many audiologists suggest utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking applications 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 volume level of 80 decibels is comparable to the sound produced by a common 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 hearing damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s important to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels go above this critical point. Consider reducing exposure to excessively loud music by enjoying select tracks at full volume instead of indulging in entire albums.
Recurring exposure to increased volume levels can lead to hearing problems including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed choices in order to promote safer listening habits.
Book an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing exam. Taking proactive steps like consistent assessments can identify possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.