James is a music aficionado who has mastered the art of incorporating his favored tunes into his daily life, easily shifting from Spotify at his desk to Pandora during his runs, and meticulously putting together playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s rarely observed without his headphones, which have become an essential part of his day-to-day life, transforming every moment into an individualized audio experience. However, while James gets solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves could be quietly weakening his priceless sense of hearing.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to indulge in music. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second option.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure lead to hearing loss?
As time pass, loud noises can lead to deterioration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is commonly linked to growing older, but the latest studies indicate that it is mainly caused by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a normal part of getting older.
It also appears that younger ears are particularly susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still developing, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the long-term perils of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone use.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast with no limitations is the most dangerous strategy. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which usually means reducing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are usually 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 fine, just be sure to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. In spite of this, the majority of individuals possess a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is generally perfected during early childhood.
The more challenging part is keeping track of your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. It’s measured on some arbitrary scale. Perhaps it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might be unaware of the maximum volume capacity of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
How to properly monitor your music volume
To deal with this issue, numerous free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
That’s why most 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 way, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments as necessary.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
As example, 80 dB is roughly equivalent to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Acknowledging this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the limit beyond which auditory damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s important to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels exceed this critical point. Think about limiting exposure to overly loud music by indulging in select tracks at full volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Recurring exposure to increased volume levels can lead to hearing complications such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears move into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make informed choices, with the ultimate goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing test
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Taking practical steps like regular assessments can pinpoint possible issues at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.