Meet James, an avid music fan who perfectly integrates Spotify into his work regimen, switches to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every instance imaginable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. He’s rarely observed without his headphones, which have become an essential part of his day-to-day life, turning every moment into an individualized audio experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging realm of music, but the very source of his happiness might be damaging his cherished ability to hear without him realizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to indulge in music. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the relationship between extended exposure to music and hearing damage?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in a decline in your auditory ability. Hearing loss is commonly linked to growing older, but the latest studies suggest that it is mostly triggered by damage from exposure to loud sounds rather than being a normal part of getting older.
Younger people are more prone 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 lasting perils of high volume. A growing number of young people 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 limits is the most dangerous strategy. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it usually involves turning the volume down. The general rules for safe volumes are:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and maintain the volume below 80 dB.
- If you’re under 18, 40 hours is still ok, just be certain to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Breaking it down, you’re looking at roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. Although it may seem excessive, the time can go by unexpectedly fast. Despite this, the majority of individuals have a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is typically mastered during early childhood.
The harder part is keeping track of your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. It’s assessed on some random scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it might be as small as 1 to 16. You might be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
How to properly monitor your music volume
To address this issue, a number of free noise monitoring apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
For this reason, many audiologists recommend using one of the numerous noise level monitoring apps available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises surrounding you. That way, you can keep track of the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and more
For example, a volume level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound generated by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this benchmark is crucial, as it represents the threshold beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible hazard.
It’s important to exercise increased caution when noise levels exceed this critical point. Consider reducing exposure to overly loud music by indulging in certain tracks at maximum volume instead of indulging in entire albums.
Repeated exposure to increased volume levels can lead to hearing problems such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make educated decisions in order to promote safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing test
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a thorough hearing exam. Taking proactive steps like regular assessments can identify possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.