James is a music aficionado who has mastered the art of incorporating his favorite music into his day-to-day life, easily transitioning from Spotify at his desk to Pandora during his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to perfectly complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s rarely observed without his headphones, which have become an integral part of his day-to-day life, turning every moment into an individualized audio experience. James takes comfort and delight in the captivating realm of music, but the very source of his happiness may be harming his treasured ability to hear without him realizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and dangerous ways to indulge in music. Regrettably, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
What is the relationship between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
As time pass, loud noises can lead to degeneration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is commonly connected to getting older, but the latest studies suggest that it is primarily caused by damage from exposure to loud sounds rather than being a normal part of getting older.
Younger people are more sensitive to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental stage. And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the permanent perils of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone use.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unregulated max volume is clearly the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which usually means reducing the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are typically as follows:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and keep the volume 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 every day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by fairly quickly. In spite of this, the majority of people have a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is typically mastered during early childhood.
The more challenging part is keeping track of your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. It’s gauged on some random scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it could be as small as 1 to 16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how near you are to reaching that limit.
How to effectively monitor your music volume
To address this problem, numerous free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide real-time information into ambient noise levels, equipping users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
Because of this, many audiologists suggest utilizing one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These widely obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, provide instant sound-level feedback on the background noise 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 example, a volume 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 threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial danger.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel threshold is important. Think about reducing exposure to excessively loud music by enjoying select tracks at full volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can trigger hearing complications such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By remaining aware of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make educated decisions, with the ultimate goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Make an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Proactive steps such as regular assessments can identify any potential issues early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized suggestions to protect your vital sense of hearing.