James is a music aficionado who has excelled in the art of incorporating his favored tunes into his day-to-day life, effortlessly transitioning from Spotify at his desk to Pandora during his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to perfectly enhance 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 fully soundtracked experience. However, while James gets solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be quietly damaging his priceless sense of hearing.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to enjoy music. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second option.
What is the link between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can lead to degeneration of your hearing abilities. Hearing loss is commonly 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 aging.
It also turns out that younger ears are especially vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still developing, after all). However, teenagers tend to disregard the possible hazards of excessive noise over time. A growing amount of young people 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 limitations is the most hazardous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it typically involves turning the volume down. The general guidelines 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 under 18, 40 hours is still acceptable, just be certain to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or lower.
Breaking it down, you’re looking at roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. In spite of this, the majority of people have a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is typically mastered during early childhood.
The more difficult aspect involves keeping track of your volume level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. It’s assessed on some random scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it might be as narrow as 1 to 16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume capacity of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
Tips for efficiently keeping track of your music volume
To address this problem, numerous free noise tracking applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer real-time insights into ambient noise levels, empowering users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
For this reason, many audiologists suggest using one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, provide 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 adjustments as necessary.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
As illustration, 80 dB is approximately equivalent to the noise emitted by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Recognizing this volume level is significant because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and tangible worry.
It’s important to exercise heightened caution when noise levels go above this critical point. Think about reducing exposure to overly loud music by enjoying certain tracks at full volume rather than indulging in entire albums.
Repeated 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.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is recommended to contact a hearing professional to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Practical measures like routine screenings can detect any potential issues early on, enabling timely interventions and personalized suggestions to safeguard your precious sense of hearing.