James is a music enthusiast who has mastered the art of incorporating his favored music into his day-to-day life, effortlessly transitioning from Spotify at his desk to Pandora during his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. He’s seldom observed without his headphones, which have become an important part of his daily life, transforming every moment into a personalized audio experience. James takes comfort and joy in the captivating realm of music, but the very source of his joy might be harming his treasured ability to hear without him recognizing it.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and harmful ways to enjoy music. Sadly, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
How does prolonged music exposure result in hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud music can result in a decrease in your auditory function. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as an issue related to aging, but more and more research suggests that it’s actually the build-up of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything intrinsic in the aging process.
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 lasting perils of high volume. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone use.
Can one listen to music without any safety concerns?
Listening to music at full blast without any limits is the most hazardous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your tunes, and it usually includes turning the volume down. The general rules for safe volumes are:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume remains below 80 dB.
- If you’re under 18, 40 hours is still fine, just be certain to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours per week is about five hours and forty minutes a day. Although it might seem excessive, the time can pass unexpectedly fast. In spite of this, the majority of individuals have a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is generally perfected during early childhood.
The more challenging part is keeping track of your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. Its value is calculated using a rather subjective or relative scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it might 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 properly monitor your music volume
To address this issue, numerous free noise tracking apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply immediate feedback on surrounding noise levels, allowing users to fine-tune their listening volume to safe levels.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists recommend the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These apps– extensively available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises 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. Recognizing this standard is crucial, as it represents the limit beyond which auditory damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s important to exercise heightened vigilance when noise levels go above this critical point. Consider reducing exposure to excessively loud music by enjoying select tracks at maximum volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being cognizant 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.
Set up an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your hearing health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to set up a comprehensive hearing exam. Practical measures like regular screenings can detect any possible issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and personalized suggestions to safeguard your precious sense of hearing.
