James is a music aficionado who has mastered the art of incorporating his favorite tunes into his daily life, easily transitioning from Spotify at his desk to Pandora during his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his constant companions, converting his life into a completely soundtracked experience. However, while James gets relaxaction and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves 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. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the connection between extended exposure to music and hearing damage?
Over time, loud noises can cause deterioration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is typically linked to getting older, but the latest studies suggest that it is mainly triggered by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of 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). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the permanent perils of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone use.
Can one listen to music without any safety issues?
Listening to music at full blast without any limits is the most hazardous approach. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which typically means decreasing the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are normally as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume remains under 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level lower than 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. Though it might seem excessive, the time can pass unexpectedly fast. Despite this, most individuals possess a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is usually mastered during early childhood.
The harder part is keeping track of your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. Its value is established utilizing a somewhat subjective or relative scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it could be as small as 1 to 16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how near you are to reaching that limit.
How to effectively track your music volume
To deal with this problem, a number of free noise tracking applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, equipping users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
For this reason, many audiologists recommend utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking applications available at no cost. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. In this manner, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments as necessary.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For example, a noise 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. Recognizing this volume level is significant because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial concern.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel limit is essential. Consider limiting exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in select tracks at maximum volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Extended 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 remaining mindful of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make educated decisions, with the ultimate goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a comprehensive hearing exam. Proactive measures such as routine screenings can detect any potential problems early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized suggestions to safeguard your precious sense of hearing.