James is a music enthusiast who has excelled in the art of incorporating his favored music into his daily life, effortlessly transitioning from Spotify at his work-desk to Pandora on his runs, and meticulously crafting playlists to perfectly enhance 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 completely soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his happiness may be damaging 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 gravitate towards the latter.
How does prolonged music exposure lead to 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 associated with aging, but an increasing amount of research suggests that it’s really the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything intrinsic in the aging process.
Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental phase. And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting hazards of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone use.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast with no limitations is the most dangerous strategy. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which typically means reducing the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume remains under 80 dB.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still ok, just be certain to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week is roughly five hours and forty minutes a day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. Even still, most individuals have a fairly solid concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re trained to do successfully from a really young age.
The more challenging facet involves keeping track of your volume level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not display volume in decibels. It’s assessed on some arbitrary scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
Tips for efficiently keeping track of your music volume
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this issue. These apps offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, empowering users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
For this reason, many audiologists suggest utilizing one of the numerous noise level monitoring applications available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises surrounding you. That way, you can monitor the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
By way of illustration, 80 dB is roughly comparable to the noise emitted by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Recognizing this standard is essential, as it represents the limit beyond which auditory damage becomes a tangible danger.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel limit is essential. Consider reducing exposure to excessively loud music by enjoying select tracks at full volume instead of indulging in entire albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can trigger hearing problems including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By remaining aware of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make informed choices, with the ultimate goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to consult a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing test. Practical steps such as regular screenings can detect any potential problems early on, allowing for timely interventions and individualized recommendations to safeguard your precious sense of hearing.