Meet James, an avid music lover who perfectly incorporates Spotify into his work regimen, switches over to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every occasion conceivable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his continual partners, converting his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the captivating world of music, but the very source of his happiness may be harming his cherished ability to hear without him recognizing it.
There are safe ways to enjoy music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
How does lengthy periods of music exposure result in hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can cause degeneration of your hearing abilities. Hearing loss is commonly connected to growing older, but the latest studies indicate that it is mainly triggered by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a natural part of aging.
It also appears that younger ears are especially vulnerable to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the long-term dangers of high volume. A growing number of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unrestricted full volume is obviously the” dangerous” way to listen to music. There is a way to listen to music more safely, which typically means decreasing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and keep the volume below 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Forty hours per week translates into about five hours and forty minutes a day. Although it might appear excessive, the time can go by unexpectedly fast. In spite of this, the majority of people have a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is usually perfected during early childhood.
The more difficult facet involves keeping track of your volume level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs typically do not display volume in decibels. Its value is calculated using 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 might 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 address this problem, numerous free noise tracking apps are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer 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 apps– widely 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.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and more
By way of illustration, 80 dB is approximately equivalent to the noise emitted by a typical garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not overly loud. Identifying this volume level is important because it marks the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
It’s crucial to exercise heightened vigilance 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.
Recurring exposure to elevated volume levels can result in hearing problems including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears move into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make educated decisions, with the ultimate goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Book an appointment for a hearing evaluation
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Proactive measures such as routine screenings can detect any possible problems early on, enabling timely interventions and individualized recommendations to protect your precious sense of hearing.