Say hello to James, an avid music fan who seamlessly incorporates Spotify into his work regimen, switches to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every instance imaginable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant companions, transforming his life into a completely soundtracked experience. However, while James finds relaxation and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves could be silently damaging his precious sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second option.
What is the connection between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
As time pass, loud noises can bring about degeneration of your hearing abilities. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as an issue associated with growing old, but more and more research reveals 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.
It also turns out that younger ears are particularly susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the permanent 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 limits is the most hazardous strategy. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which typically means decreasing the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume stays 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 looking at roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Even still, most individuals have a pretty solid concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re taught to do effectively from a really young age.
The more challenging part is monitoring your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. Its value is determined using a rather subjective or relative scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it could be as narrow as 1 to 16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume capacity of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
How to properly track your music volume
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this problem. These apps supply real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why most hearing specialists advise the use of one of many free noise tracking 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 changes as necessary.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and beyond
By way of example, 80 dB is approximately equivalent to the noise produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Recognizing this standard is essential, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible hazard.
It’s crucial to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels go above this critical point. Consider reducing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By remaining cognizant of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make educated choices, with the paramount goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Set up an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing exam. Proactive steps such as regular assessments can detect any potential problems early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized recommendations to protect your vital sense of hearing.