James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of integrating his favored music into his daily life, easily shifting from Spotify at his desk to Pandora on his runs, and carefully crafting playlists to perfectly enhance every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his continual companions, converting his life into a completely soundtracked experience. However, while James finds solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves could be quietly weakening his precious sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the connection between prolonged exposure to music and hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in a decline in your auditory function. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as a problem related to growing old, but more and more research suggests that it’s really the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything inherent in the aging process.
Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental phase. However, teenagers tend to dismiss the possible dangers of excessive noise over time. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone usage.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unlimited max volume is obviously the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which typically means lowering the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are normally as follows:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and keep the volume below 80 dB.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still acceptable, just be certain to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or lower.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. Although it might appear excessive, the time can go by unexpectedly fast. In spite of this, the majority of people have 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 the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed 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 clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
Tips for effectively keeping track of your music volume
To address this issue, numerous free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer immediate feedback on surrounding noise levels, allowing users to fine-tune their listening volume to safe levels.
For this reason, many audiologists suggest utilizing one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These widely accessible apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around 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 example, 80 dB is roughly comparable to the noise produced by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Acknowledging this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s crucial to exercise increased caution when noise levels go above this critical point. Consider decreasing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Extended exposure to loud sounds can lead to hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed decisions in order to promote safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to consult a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing exam. Taking practical actions like consistent assessments can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.