Say hello to James, a passionate music enthusiast who perfectly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. He’s seldom observed without his headphones, which have become an essential part of his daily life, transforming every moment into an individualized audio adventure. However, while James finds relaxaction and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he loves could be quietly weakening his priceless sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can lead to degeneration of your hearing abilities. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as a problem related to aging, but an increasing amount of research reveals that it’s really the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything intrinsic in the process of aging.
Younger people are more sensitive 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 long-term hazards of high volume. A growing number of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast without any limitations is the most dangerous strategy. 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:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume stays under 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level lower than 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. Even still, most people have a fairly strong concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re trained to do successfully from a really young age.
The more challenging part is monitoring your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. It’s measured on some arbitrary 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.
How to effectively track your music volume
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this problem. These apps provide real-time information into ambient noise levels, equipping users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists encourage 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 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 hearing damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s important to exercise increased caution when noise levels surpass this critical point. Consider limiting exposure to overly loud music by indulging in select tracks at maximum volume rather than indulging in entire albums.
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By being cognizant of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make educated decisions, with the paramount goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Make an appointment for a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to consult a hearing professional to schedule a thorough hearing examination. Practical steps such as routine assessments can detect any potential problems early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized recommendations to safeguard your precious sense of hearing.
