James is a music aficionado who has excelled in the art of incorporating his favorite tunes into his daily life, effortlessly transitioning from Spotify at his work-desk to Pandora on his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to perfectly complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, cooking 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 relaxation and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves could be quietly weakening his precious sense of hearing.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and unsafe ways to enjoy music. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second option.
What is the connection between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can lead to degeneration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is commonly connected to growing older, but recent studies indicate that it is primarily triggered by damage from exposure to loud sounds instead of being a normal part of aging.
It also turns out 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 lasting perils 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?
Listening to music at full blast with no limitations is the most hazardous approach. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which usually means lowering the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are typically as follows:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume remains below 80 dB.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still ok, just be certain to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week translates into roughly five hours and forty minutes a day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Even still, most people have a fairly strong concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re taught to do effectively from a really young age.
The more challenging part is monitoring your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. Its value is determined using a rather subjective or relative scale. Perhaps 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.
How to properly track your music volume
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this problem. These apps offer real-time insights into ambient noise levels, equipping users to adjust their music volume accordingly.
That’s why most hearing specialists advise the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These widely obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, provide 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
For example, a volume level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound generated by a basic 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 tangible concern.
So, being extra vigilant when exceeding this decibel threshold is important. Think about reducing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Recurring exposure to elevated volume levels can trigger hearing complications including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being cognizant of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed choices, with the paramount goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Book an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your hearing health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing test. Taking practical actions like consistent assessments can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to protect your valuable hearing.
