Say hello to James, an avid music enthusiast who perfectly incorporates Spotify into his work routine, switches to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every occasion conceivable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his continual partners, transforming his life into a completely soundtracked experience. However, while James finds solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves could be quietly weakening his precious sense of hearing.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to indulge in music. Sadly, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the relationship between extended exposure to music and hearing damage?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decline in your auditory function. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as a problem related to growing old, but more and more research reveals that it’s actually the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything inherent in the process of aging.
It also appears 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 lasting perils of high volume. An increasing amount of young people are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Can one listen to music without any safety issues?
Unregulated max volume is obviously the” dangerous” way to listen to music. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it usually includes turning the volume down. The general rules for safe volumes are:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume remains under 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Even still, most people have a fairly solid concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re taught to do successfully from a really young age.
The more difficult facet entails keeping track of your sound level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not show volume in decibels. Its value is determined using a rather subjective or relative scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it might 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
To deal with this problem, a number of free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply immediate feedback on ambient noise levels, helping users to adjust their listening volume to safe levels.
That’s why most hearing specialists recommend the use of one of many free noise monitoring apps. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, provide instant sound-level feedback on the background noise around you. That way, you can keep track of the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and beyond
By way of example, 80 dB is approximately comparable to the noise emitted by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Identifying this standard is crucial, as it represents the limit beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial hazard.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel limit is essential. Consider reducing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can trigger hearing problems including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By remaining mindful of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed choices, with the ultimate goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Make an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Proactive steps such as routine screenings can detect any potential problems early on, allowing for timely interventions and personalized suggestions to protect your precious sense of hearing.
