Say hello to James, a passionate music enthusiast who seamlessly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every occasion imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. He’s rarely seen without his headphones, which have become an important part of his day-to-day life, transforming every moment into an individualized audio experience. However, while James finds relaxation and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be silently weakening his precious sense of hearing.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to indulge in music. Unfortunately, a lot of us lean towards the second approach.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure lead to hearing loss?
As time pass, loud noises can lead to degeneration of your ability to hear. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as an issue associated with aging, but an increasing amount of research suggests that it’s actually the build-up of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything inherent in the aging process.
It also appears that younger ears are particularly vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to disregard the potential risks of excessive noise over time. A growing amount of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Can one listen to music without any safety issues?
Listening to music at full blast without any limitations is the most hazardous approach. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which typically means lowering the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are normally as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume remains below 80 dB.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still acceptable, just be sure to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. In spite of this, most individuals have a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
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 assessed on some arbitrary scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it might be as narrow as 1 to 16. You may not have any clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to properly monitor 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 insights into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
That’s why most hearing specialists encourage 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 background noise around you. That way, you can keep track of 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 equivalent to the noise produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Recognizing this volume level is important because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and tangible concern.
It’s important to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels surpass this critical point. Consider decreasing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Repeated exposure to increased volume levels can trigger hearing problems such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears move into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make informed decisions, with the ultimate goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing test
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a comprehensive hearing test. Proactive steps such as regular assessments can detect any possible issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and personalized suggestions to safeguard your vital sense of hearing.