James is a music aficionado who has excelled in the art of incorporating his favored music into his day-to-day life, effortlessly shifting from Spotify at his work-desk to Pandora during his runs, and meticulously putting together playlists to perfectly complement every activity, whether he’s working out, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s rarely observed without his headphones, which have become an important part of his day-to-day life, turning every moment into a personalized audio experience. However, while James finds solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be quietly weakening his priceless sense of hearing.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to enjoy music. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second option.
How does prolonged music exposure result in hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud music can lead to a decline in your auditory ability. Hearing loss is commonly connected to getting older, but recent studies suggest that it is primarily triggered by damage from exposure to loud noises rather than being a natural part of aging.
It also appears that younger ears are particularly 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 rampant high-volume headphone usage.
Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?
Unregulated full volume is clearly the” hazardous” way to listen to music. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it normally includes turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume stays below 80 dB.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still acceptable, just be sure to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week translates into roughly five hours and forty minutes a day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by relatively 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 more challenging facet entails tracking your volume level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not show volume in decibels. Its value is established using a somewhat 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 not have any idea what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to properly track your music volume
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to address this issue. These apps offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
Because of this, many audiologists suggest using one of the numerous noise level tracking applications available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises 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 noise 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 essential, as it represents the limit beyond which auditory damage becomes a tangible risk.
It’s important to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels go above this critical point. Think about reducing exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in certain tracks at maximum volume rather than indulging in entire albums.
Recurring exposure to elevated volume levels can result in hearing problems such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being cognizant of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make educated decisions, with the paramount goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing examination. Taking proactive steps like regular screenings can identify possible problems at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to protect your valuable hearing.