Say hello to James, a passionate music lover who seamlessly incorporates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant companions, converting his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and joy in the captivating realm of music, but the very source of his happiness might be damaging his treasured ability to hear without him recognizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to indulge in music. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second approach.
What is the link between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in a decline in your auditory ability. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as an issue related to growing old, but an increasing amount of research suggests that it’s really the build-up of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything intrinsic in the aging process.
Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental phase. And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the permanent hazards of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone usage.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast with no limits is the most hazardous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it typically includes 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 sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. Though it may appear excessive, the time can pass surprisingly fast. In spite of this, the majority of people possess a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
The more difficult aspect involves keeping track of your volume level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. Its value is calculated utilizing a rather subjective or relative scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might not have any clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to properly track your music volume
To deal with this issue, numerous free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply real-time insights into ambient noise levels, equipping users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists advise the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These apps– extensively available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises around you. That way, you can monitor the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
For instance, 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. Identifying this volume level is important because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
It’s crucial to exercise heightened caution when noise levels exceed this critical point. Consider limiting exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in select tracks at maximum volume rather than indulging in complete 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 being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed decisions in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing test
To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Taking proactive actions like regular assessments can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and customized advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.