Meet James, a Say hello to music fan who seamlessly incorporates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every occasion conceivable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. He’s rarely seen without his headphones, which have become an important part of his daily life, transforming every moment into a personalized audio adventure. James takes comfort and delight in the captivating world of music, but the very source of his happiness might be harming his treasured ability to hear without him recognizing it.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second approach.
How does prolonged music exposure result in hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can cause deterioration of your ability to hear. Hearing loss is commonly linked to getting older, but the latest studies suggest that it is primarily caused by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a natural part of getting older.
It also turns out that younger ears are particularly susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to ignore the possible risks of excessive noise over time. An increasing number of young individuals 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 with no limits is the most dangerous strategy. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which typically means reducing the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are normally as follows:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume remains under 80 dB.
- If you’re under 18, 40 hours is still acceptable, just be sure to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Forty hours week is about five hours and forty minutes a day. Though it may appear excessive, the time can go by surprisingly fast. Even still, most people have a pretty solid concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re trained to do effectively from a very young age.
The more difficult facet entails keeping track of your sound level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not display volume in decibels. Its value is calculated utilizing a somewhat subjective or relative scale. The range could be as wide 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 near you are to reaching that limit.
Tips for effectively keeping track of your music volume
To deal with this issue, a number of free noise monitoring applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to adjust their music volume accordingly.
Because of this, many audiologists suggest using one of the numerous noise level tracking apps available at no cost. These apps– widely available for both iPhone and Android devices– will give you real-time readouts on the noises around you. In this way, you can monitor the decibel level of your music as it plays and make changes accordingly.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and beyond
By way of example, 80 dB is approximately comparable to the noise produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Recognizing this volume level is significant because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and tangible worry.
So, being extra vigilant when exceeding this decibel threshold is essential. Think about reducing your exposure to exceedingly loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Extended exposure to loud sounds can result in hearing issues, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially irreversible damage to one’s hearing. By being mindful of when our ears venture into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make educated decisions, with the ultimate goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Schedule a hearing test
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing professional to book a comprehensive hearing examination. Taking practical steps like regular assessments can identify possible problems at an early stage, enabling quick actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.
