Say hello to James, an avid music lover who perfectly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance conceivable, 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, transforming every moment into an individualized audio experience. James takes comfort and delight in the captivating world of music, but the very source of his joy might be damaging his treasured ability to hear without him realizing it.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to indulge in music. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the link between extended exposure to music and hearing damage?
As time pass, loud noises can bring about deterioration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is typically connected to growing older, but the latest studies indicate that it is primarily caused by damage from exposure to loud sounds rather than being a normal part of getting older.
Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental phase. And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the long-term perils of high volume. A growing amount 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 limitations is the most hazardous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it typically includes turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and keep the volume lower than 80 dB.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still fine, just be sure to keep the volume 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 appear excessive, the time can pass surprisingly fast. Even still, most people have a fairly solid concept of keeping track of time– it’s something we’re trained to do successfully from a really young age.
The more difficult aspect involves keeping track of your sound level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not display volume in decibels. It’s measured on some arbitrary scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it might be as narrow as 1 to 16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
How to effectively monitor your music volume
To address this issue, numerous free noise monitoring applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide 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 extensively accessible apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient 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
For example, a noise level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Identifying this volume level is important because it marks the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel threshold is important. Think about reducing exposure to overly loud music by indulging in certain tracks at maximum volume rather than indulging in complete 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 enable ourselves to make informed choices in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing exam
To further prioritize your hearing health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a comprehensive hearing test. Taking practical actions like regular assessments can identify possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and tailored advice to safeguard your valuable hearing.