Meet James, a Say hello to music lover who seamlessly integrates Spotify into his work routine, switches over to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance imaginable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant companions, transforming his life into a completely soundtracked experience. However, while James gets solace and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he treasures could be quietly damaging his precious sense of hearing.
Concerning our ears, there are both safe and dangerous ways to indulge in music. Unfortunately, a, any us lean towards the second option.
What is the link between prolonged exposure to music and hearing damage?
As time pass, loud noises can bring about deterioration of your hearing abilities. Hearing loss is typically linked to growing older, but recent studies indicate that it is mostly caused by damage from exposure to loud noises instead of being a normal part of aging.
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. So there’s an epidemic of younger individuals with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to rampant high-volume headphone usage.
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 lowering 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 lower than 80 dB.
- If you’re under 18, 40 hours is still ok, just be certain to keep the volume at a safe level, 75 decibels or lower.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with about 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. Though it may seem excessive, the time can go by unexpectedly fast. Despite this, most individuals have a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
The harder part is keeping track of your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. It’s assessed on some random scale. The range could be as wide as 1 to 100, or it could be as small as 1 to 16. You might not have any clue what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
Tips for effectively keeping track of your music volume
Several free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to tackle this issue. These apps supply real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why the majority of hearing specialists advise 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 surrounding 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
For example, a noise level of 80 decibels is comparable to the sound generated by a basic garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Recognizing this benchmark is essential, as it represents the threshold beyond which auditory damage becomes a substantial danger.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel threshold is essential. Consider 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 aware of when our ears are at risk, we enable ourselves to make educated choices in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing exam
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing test. Taking proactive steps like regular screenings can identify possible issues at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and customized advice to protect your valuable hearing.