Say hello to James, an avid music fan who seamlessly incorporates Spotify into his work regimen, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance conceivable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. He’s rarely seen without his headphones, which have become an important part of his day-to-day life, transforming every moment into a personalized audio adventure. However, while James gets solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves could be quietly damaging his priceless sense of hearing.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and dangerous ways to indulge in music. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second option.
What is the connection between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in a decrease in your auditory ability. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as an issue related to growing old, but an increasing amount of research reveals that it’s really the build-up of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything inherent in the process of aging.
Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental stage. However, teenagers tend to dismiss the potential 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 usage.
Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?
Listening to music at full blast without any limits is the most dangerous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it typically involves turning the volume down. The general rules for safe volumes are:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume remains below 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 dealing with approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. Though it might appear excessive, the time can pass unexpectedly fast. Even still, most people have a fairly solid concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re trained to do effectively from a very young age.
The more challenging part is monitoring your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. It’s gauged on some random 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 near you are to reaching that limit.
How to properly monitor your music volume
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to address this issue. These apps provide real-time insights into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists encourage the use of one of many free noise monitoring apps. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises surrounding you. In this manner, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments accordingly.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For example, a noise level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this benchmark is essential, as it represents the limit beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial hazard.
So, being extra vigilant when surpassing this decibel limit is important. Consider reducing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Repeated exposure to increased volume levels can lead to hearing problems such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By remaining cognizant of when our ears move into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed choices, with the paramount goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing exam
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to consult a hearing professional to schedule a thorough hearing exam. Proactive measures such as routine screenings can identify any potential problems early on, allowing for timely interventions and individualized suggestions to safeguard your precious sense of hearing.