Meet James, an avid music fan who seamlessly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio programs 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 a personalized audio experience. However, while James gets relaxation and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he treasures could be quietly damaging his precious sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud music can result in a decline in your auditory ability. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as a problem associated with growing old, but an increasing amount of research reveals that it’s really the build-up of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything inherent in the aging process.
It also turns out that younger ears are especially vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting dangers of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone usage.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast without any limits is the most hazardous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it typically 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 remains below 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. That seems like a lot, but it can go by fairly quickly. Despite this, most individuals have a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is usually perfected during early childhood.
The more difficult aspect involves keeping track of your volume level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not show volume in decibels. It’s measured on some random scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it might be as small as 1 to 16. You may 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
Several free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this issue. These apps supply instant feedback on ambient noise levels, allowing users to adjust their listening volume to safe levels.
That’s why most hearing specialists advise the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These widely accessible apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the background noise around 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 approximately equivalent to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Identifying this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial hazard.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel threshold is essential. Think about limiting exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in select tracks at maximum volume instead of indulging in complete albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By being aware of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make educated choices, with the paramount goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Taking practical steps like regular screenings can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and customized advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.