James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of incorporating his favored music into his daily life, easily shifting from Spotify at his work-desk to Pandora during his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to perfectly complement every activity, whether he’s working out, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his constant partners, transforming his life into a completely soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and joy in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his happiness may be harming his cherished ability to hear without him realizing it.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the link between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decline in your auditory ability. Hearing loss is typically connected to growing older, but the latest studies suggest that it is mainly caused by damage from exposure to loud noises rather than being a normal part of aging.
It also appears that younger ears are especially susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting perils of high volume. A growing number of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
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 listen to music more safely, which usually means lowering 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 below 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. Although it may appear excessive, the time can go by unexpectedly fast. Despite this, the majority of individuals have a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is usually perfected 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. It’s assessed on some random scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it might be as small as 1 to 16. You might not have any clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to properly monitor your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this issue. These apps offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, equipping users to adjust their music volume accordingly.
For this reason, many audiologists recommend using one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These extensively accessible 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 comparable to the sound generated by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Identifying this benchmark is essential, as it represents the limit beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial danger.
So, being extra vigilant when exceeding this decibel limit is essential. Think about reducing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Recurring exposure to increased volume levels can trigger hearing complications including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed choices, with the ultimate goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing test
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is recommended to consult a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing examination. Proactive steps like routine screenings can identify any potential problems early on, allowing for timely interventions and individualized suggestions to safeguard your vital sense of hearing.