Say hello to James, a passionate music fan who seamlessly incorporates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance imaginable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his continual companions, transforming his life into a fully 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 dangerous ways to enjoy music. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
What is the connection between prolonged exposure to music and hearing damage?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decline in your auditory ability. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as an issue related to growing old, but more and more research indicates that it’s really the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything intrinsic in the aging process.
Younger people are more sensitive to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental phase. And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the long-term hazards of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone use.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Listening to music at full blast without any limitations is the most dangerous approach. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which usually means decreasing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are typically as follows:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume remains below 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 each day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. Even still, most people have a pretty solid concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re trained to do effectively from a very young age.
The more difficult facet involves tracking your sound level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not display volume in decibels. It’s assessed on some arbitrary scale. Perhaps it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might not have any idea what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
Tips for efficiently keeping track of your music volume
To address this issue, a number of free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply real-time insights into ambient noise levels, enabling 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 way, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make adjustments accordingly.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and beyond
By way of example, 80 dB is approximately equivalent to the noise produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Identifying this volume level is important because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial concern.
So, being extra vigilant when surpassing this decibel limit is important. Consider reducing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Extended exposure to loud sounds can lead to 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 educated choices in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your auditory health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing test. Proactive measures such as routine screenings can detect any potential problems early on, enabling timely interventions and personalized suggestions to protect your vital sense of hearing.