Say hello to James, a Say hello to music enthusiast who perfectly incorporates Spotify into his work regimen, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance conceivable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his continual companions, transforming his life into a fully soundtracked experience. However, while James gets solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be quietly weakening his precious sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure result in hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can cause degeneration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is typically linked to growing older, but the latest studies suggest that it is mostly triggered by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a natural part of aging.
It also appears that younger ears are particularly vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still developing, after all). However, teenagers tend to ignore the possible dangers of excessive noise over time. An increasing 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 limitations is the most hazardous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it normally includes turning the volume down. The general rules for safe volumes are:
- Adults should limit 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.
Forty hours per week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. Though it might seem excessive, the time can pass surprisingly fast. Despite this, most people possess a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
The more challenging part is keeping track of your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. Its value is established using a somewhat subjective or relative scale. Perhaps it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might be unaware of the maximum volume capacity of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
Tips for effectively keeping track of your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be found for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this issue. These apps provide real-time information into ambient noise levels, equipping users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
That’s why most hearing specialists recommend the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These apps– widely 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
As example, 80 dB is roughly comparable to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Acknowledging this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the limit beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s important to exercise increased caution when noise levels exceed this critical point. Think about limiting exposure to excessively loud music by indulging in select tracks at maximum volume instead of indulging in complete albums.
Recurring exposure to elevated volume levels can lead to hearing complications such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed decisions in order to promote safer listening habits.
Make an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Practical steps such as routine assessments can identify any possible issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and individualized suggestions to protect your precious sense of hearing.