Say hello to James, a passionate music lover who seamlessly integrates Spotify into his work regimen, switches to Pandora during his jogs, and curates playlists for every instance conceivable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant partners, transforming his life into a completely soundtracked experience. However, while James finds relaxaction and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he cherishes could be silently damaging his priceless sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Regrettably, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
How does prolonged music exposure lead to hearing loss?
Over time, loud noises can lead to degeneration of your hearing abilities. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as a problem associated with aging, but more and more research suggests that it’s really the build-up of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything inherent in the aging process.
Younger individuals are more sensitive to noise-induced damage as their ears are still in the developmental stage. However, teenagers tend to disregard the potential hazards of excessive noise over time. A growing number of young people are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unrestricted full volume is clearly the” dangerous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which usually means reducing the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and ensure the volume remains under 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level below 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with roughly 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by fairly quickly. Even still, most people have a fairly strong concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do successfully from a really young age.
The more challenging part is monitoring your volume. On most smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not computed in decibels. It’s gauged on some random scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You may not have any idea what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to properly track your music volume
To address this problem, a number of free noise tracking applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps provide real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why most hearing specialists advise the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the background noise 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 more
As illustration, 80 dB is roughly comparable to the noise produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher– audible, yet not excessively loud. Identifying this volume level is important because it denotes the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
It’s important to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels exceed this critical point. Consider reducing 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 result in hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being aware of when our ears move into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed choices, with the ultimate goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Book an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your auditory health, think about reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Taking practical actions like regular assessments can identify possible issues at an early stage, enabling prompt actions and tailored advice to protect your valuable hearing.
