Say hello to James, an avid music fan who perfectly integrates Spotify into his work regimen, switches to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant partners, transforming his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his joy may be harming his cherished ability to hear without him realizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and unsafe ways to enjoy music. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
What is the relationship between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can cause degeneration of your hearing abilities. Hearing loss is typically linked to getting older, but recent studies indicate that it is mostly triggered by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a natural part of getting older.
It also turns out that younger ears are particularly vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still developing, after all). However, teenagers tend to ignore the possible risks of excessive noise over time. 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?
Unregulated max volume is obviously the” hazardous” way to listen to music. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it usually includes turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and keep the volume lower than 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 looking at about 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Despite this, the majority of people possess a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
The more challenging part is monitoring your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. It’s gauged on some random scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it could be as narrow as 1 to 16. You might not have any idea what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to effectively track your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this problem. These apps provide real-time insights into ambient noise levels, enabling 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 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.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and more
For example, a noise 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. Recognizing this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial risk.
It’s crucial to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels go above this critical point. Think about limiting exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in select tracks at full volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Repeated exposure to increased volume levels can trigger hearing problems including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed choices in order to promote safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Taking practical actions like regular assessments can identify possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.
