Meet James, a Say hello to music fan who perfectly integrates Spotify into his work regimen, switches over to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every instance imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. He’s rarely observed without his headphones, which have become an essential part of his daily life, transforming every moment into a personalized audio adventure. James takes comfort and joy in the captivating world of music, but the very source of his joy may be damaging his cherished ability to hear without him realizing it.
There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure result in hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decrease in your auditory function. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as an issue related to growing old, but more and more research reveals that it’s actually the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything inherent in the process of aging.
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 permanent dangers of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone usage.
Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?
Unlimited max volume is obviously the” dangerous” way to listen to music. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it usually 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 ok, just be sure to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. Though it may seem excessive, the time can pass unexpectedly fast. Even still, most people have a pretty solid concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do effectively from a really young age.
The more challenging aspect entails tracking your volume level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not show volume in decibels. Its value is determined using a rather subjective or relative 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 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 provide instant feedback on ambient noise levels, allowing users to tweak their listening volume to safe levels.
For this reason, many audiologists suggest utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking apps available at no cost. These extensively 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 illustration, 80 dB is roughly comparable to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Identifying this volume level is important because it marks the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and tangible concern.
So, being extra vigilant when surpassing this decibel limit is essential. Consider reducing exposure to overly loud music by indulging in certain tracks at full volume rather than indulging in entire albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make educated decisions in order to promote safer listening habits.
Book an appointment for a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to consult a hearing professional to book a comprehensive hearing test. Practical measures like regular assessments can identify any potential issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and personalized suggestions to protect your precious sense of hearing.
