James is a music enthusiast who has excelled in the art of incorporating his favorite tunes into his day-to-day life, easily shifting from Spotify at his desk to Pandora on his runs, and meticulously putting together playlists to beautifully enhance every activity, whether he’s working out, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s seldom observed without his headphones, which have become an essential part of his day-to-day life, transforming every moment into an individualized 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.
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 approach.
How does prolonged music exposure result in hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decline in your auditory ability. Hearing loss is commonly connected to growing older, but recent studies suggest that it is mainly triggered by damage from exposure to loud sounds instead of being a natural part of getting older.
Younger people are more prone to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental stage. And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting hazards of high volume. A growing number of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss due to frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast without any limits is the most hazardous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it usually involves turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and maintain the volume below 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Forty hours per week is about five hours and forty minutes a day. Although it may seem excessive, the time can go by surprisingly fast. Even still, most people have a pretty strong concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re trained to do successfully from a very 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 established using a somewhat subjective or relative scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how near you are to reaching that limit.
Tips for efficiently keeping track of your music volume
To deal with this problem, numerous free noise tracking applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide instant feedback on surrounding 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 tracking apps. These extensively accessible apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around 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 roughly equivalent to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Recognizing this standard is essential, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible hazard.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel limit is important. Think about limiting exposure to overly loud music by enjoying select tracks at full volume instead of indulging in complete albums.
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed choices in order to promote safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing professional to schedule a comprehensive hearing exam. Taking practical actions like consistent screenings can pinpoint possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.