Say hello to James, a passionate music fan who perfectly incorporates Spotify into his work regimen, switches over to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every instance conceivable, from cardio programs to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant companions, transforming his life into a fully soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and joy in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his joy might be harming his treasured ability to hear without him realizing it.
Regarding our ears, there are both safe and hazardous ways to enjoy music. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the relationship between extended exposure to music and hearing damage?
Over time, loud noises can cause deterioration of your hearing abilities. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as a problem related to aging, but an increasing amount of research suggests that it’s actually the build-up of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything intrinsic in the process of aging.
Younger individuals are more prone to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental phase. However, teenagers tend to dismiss the possible dangers of excessive noise over time. So there’s an epidemic of younger people with hearing loss, thanks, in part, to widespread high-volume headphone use.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unlimited full volume is obviously the” hazardous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which typically means lowering the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- Adults should restrict their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume stays 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 approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. That might seem like a lot, but it can go by fairly quickly. In spite of this, the majority of individuals possess a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is typically 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 determined utilizing a rather subjective or relative scale. Perhaps it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You may be unaware of the maximum volume range of your device or how near you are to reaching that limit.
How to effectively track your music volume
To address this issue, numerous free noise tracking applications 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 most 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 monitor the dB level of your music in real time and make adjustments.
Comparing relative volumes: from garbage disposals to dishwasher
By way of illustration, 80 dB is approximately comparable to the noise emitted 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.
So, being extra cautious when exceeding this decibel threshold is important. Think about limiting exposure to overly loud music by enjoying certain tracks at maximum volume rather than indulging in complete albums.
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to hearing problems, including ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, and potentially permanent damage to one’s hearing. By being cognizant of when our ears move into the danger zone, we enable ourselves to make informed choices, with the ultimate goal of promoting safer listening practices.
Set up an appointment for a hearing evaluation
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to contact a hearing professional to schedule a thorough hearing test. Practical steps such as regular screenings can identify any possible issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and personalized recommendations to protect your vital sense of hearing.