Meet James, a Say hello to music fan who seamlessly integrates Spotify into his work regimen, switches over to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant companions, converting his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his happiness might be damaging his treasured ability to hear without him recognizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and dangerous ways to enjoy music. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud music can result in a decline in your auditory ability. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as an issue associated with aging, but an increasing amount of research indicates that it’s really the build-up of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything inherent in the process of aging.
Younger individuals are more prone to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental phase. However, teenagers tend to ignore the possible dangers of excessive noise over time. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone usage.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast with no limitations is the most hazardous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it typically involves turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume stays under 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with about 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. In spite of this, the majority of people possess a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is typically mastered during early childhood.
The more challenging part is keeping track of your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. It’s measured on some random scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it might be as small 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
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to address this problem. These apps offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists advise the use of one of many free noise monitoring apps. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, provide instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. That way, you can keep track of the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For example, a volume level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound produced by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this standard is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a substantial risk.
So, being extra vigilant when exceeding this decibel threshold is essential. Think about reducing exposure to excessively loud music by enjoying certain tracks at full volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Repeated exposure to increased volume levels can lead to hearing problems including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being cognizant of when our ears move into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make informed decisions, with the ultimate goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Set up an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your hearing health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing exam. Taking proactive steps like consistent assessments can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and customized advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.