James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of integrating his favorite tunes into his daily life, effortlessly shifting from Spotify at his desk to Pandora during his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, cooking 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 gets solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he treasures could be quietly weakening his precious sense of hearing.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to indulge in music. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
What is the relationship between prolonged exposure to music and hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud music can lead to a decrease in your auditory ability. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as a problem associated with growing old, but an increasing amount of research reveals that it’s actually the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything inherent in the process of aging.
It also turns out that younger ears are particularly susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to disregard 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?
Listening to music at full blast with no limits is the most dangerous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it normally includes turning the volume down. The general rules for safe volumes are:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and maintain the volume lower than 80 dB.
- If you’re under 18, 40 hours is still ok, just be certain to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week is about five hours and forty minutes a day. Although it might appear excessive, the time can go by unexpectedly fast. Even still, most individuals have a pretty solid concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re trained to do effectively from a really young age.
The more challenging part is keeping track of your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. Its value is determined using a somewhat subjective or relative scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You may not have any idea 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, a number of free noise tracking apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide instant feedback on surrounding noise levels, enabling users to fine-tune their listening volume to safe levels.
Because of this, many audiologists recommend utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking applications available at no cost. These widely obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, provide instant sound-level feedback on the background noise around you. In this manner, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments as necessary.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and more
For instance, 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 volume level is significant because it marks the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and tangible worry.
It’s important to exercise heightened caution when noise levels surpass this critical point. Consider decreasing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can lead to hearing complications including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make educated decisions in order to promote safer listening habits.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing exam. Taking practical steps like consistent assessments can identify possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and tailored advice to protect your valuable hearing.
