Say hello to James, an avid music fan who perfectly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every instance conceivable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. He’s rarely observed without his headphones, which have become an integral part of his day-to-day life, turning every moment into an individualized audio adventure. James takes comfort and joy in the engaging realm of music, but the very source of his happiness may be damaging his cherished ability to hear without him recognizing it.
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 extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can bring about deterioration of your hearing abilities. We’re used to regarding 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 aging process.
It also turns out that younger ears are especially vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still developing, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the permanent hazards of high volume. 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 dangerous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it typically involves 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 fine, just be certain to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or lower.
Forty hours per week is about five hours and forty minutes a day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Despite this, the majority of people possess a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is generally perfected during early childhood.
The harder part is monitoring your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. It’s gauged on some arbitrary scale. Perhaps it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You may not have any clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to effectively monitor your music volume
To address this problem, a number of free noise monitoring applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide instant feedback on surrounding noise levels, helping users to adjust their listening volume to safe levels.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists recommend the use of one of many free noise monitoring apps. These widely obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. In this way, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make changes accordingly.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and more
By way of illustration, 80 dB is roughly comparable to the noise emitted by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Identifying this volume level is significant because it marks the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial concern.
It’s crucial to exercise increased caution when noise levels surpass this critical point. Think about limiting exposure to overly loud music by enjoying certain tracks at full volume instead of indulging in complete albums.
Recurring exposure to increased volume levels can lead to hearing complications including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed choices in order to promote safer listening habits.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your hearing health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing exam. Practical measures like regular assessments can detect any possible problems early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized recommendations to safeguard your vital sense of hearing.