Say hello to James, a passionate music lover who perfectly incorporates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every instance imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his continual companions, converting his life into a fully soundtracked experience. However, while James gets solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he treasures could be silently damaging his priceless sense of hearing.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and unsafe ways to enjoy music. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second option.
What is the relationship between prolonged exposure to music and hearing damage?
Prolonged exposure to loud music can result in a decrease in your auditory function. Hearing loss is typically linked to growing older, but recent studies indicate that it is mainly caused by damage from exposure to loud sounds instead of being a natural part 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 potential hazards 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?
Unregulated max volume is clearly the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which typically means reducing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are normally 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 acceptable, just be sure 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 relatively quickly. In spite of this, the majority of individuals have a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
The more difficult aspect entails keeping track of your volume level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not display volume in decibels. It’s gauged on some random scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it could be as small 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.
Tips for effectively keeping track of 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 insights into ambient noise levels, empowering users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists recommend 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 around you. In this manner, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments as necessary.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For example, a noise level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound generated by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this volume level is important because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and tangible worry.
It’s crucial to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels exceed this critical point. Think about decreasing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being aware of when our ears move into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make educated choices, with the paramount goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is recommended to contact a hearing professional to schedule a thorough hearing exam. Proactive measures like routine screenings can identify any potential issues early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized recommendations to protect your precious sense of hearing.