Meet James, an avid music fan who perfectly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every occasion conceivable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his continual partners, transforming his life into a completely soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and joy in the engaging realm of music, but the very source of his joy may be harming his treasured 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.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud music can result in a decrease in your auditory ability. Hearing loss is typically connected to growing older, but recent studies suggest that it is mostly caused by damage from exposure to loud sounds rather than being a natural part of aging.
Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental stage. However, teenagers tend to ignore the possible risks of excessive noise over time. 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?
Unrestricted max volume is clearly the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which typically means lowering the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume remains below 80 dB.
- If you’re under 18, 40 hours is still ok, just be sure to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
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 relatively quickly. In spite of this, most people have a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is usually mastered during early childhood.
The more difficult aspect involves tracking your sound level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. It’s gauged on some arbitrary scale. Perhaps it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You may 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 problem, numerous free noise tracking apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply real-time information into ambient noise levels, empowering users to calibrate their music volume appropriately.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists advise the use of one of many free noise monitoring apps. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. In this way, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make changes as necessary.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and more
By way of illustration, 80 dB is approximately equivalent to the noise emitted by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Identifying this benchmark is essential, as it represents the threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a tangible hazard.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel limit is important. Think about decreasing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to certain songs at the highest volume instead of listening to entire albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we enable ourselves to make educated decisions in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Book an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a comprehensive hearing exam. Taking practical actions like consistent assessments can pinpoint possible issues at an early stage, enabling quick actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.