Say hello to James, a passionate music enthusiast who perfectly incorporates Spotify into his work routine, switches to Pandora during his workouts, and curates playlists for every instance conceivable, from cardio sessions to cooking and even gaming. His headphones are his constant companions, transforming his life into a completely soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his joy might be harming his treasured ability to hear without him recognizing it.
There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
What is the connection between extended exposure to music and hearing loss?
Extended exposure to loud sounds can lead to a decrease in your auditory function. We’re used to regarding hearing loss as an issue associated with aging, but more and more research indicates that it’s actually the build-up of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything inherent in the aging process.
Younger individuals are more prone to noise-induced harm as their ears are still in the developmental stage. And yet, young adults are more likely to be dismissive of the lasting perils of high volume. A growing amount of young individuals are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unrestricted max volume is clearly the” dangerous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which usually means decreasing the volume. The recommended safe volume levels are usually as follows:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume stays below 80 dB.
- For Teens and Minors: You can still listen for 40 hours, but keep the volume level lower than 75 dB.
Breaking it down, you’re looking at approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening every day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by rather quickly. Even still, most people have a fairly strong concept of monitoring time– it’s something we’re taught to do effectively from a very young age.
The more difficult aspect entails keeping track of your sound level. Devices like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not show volume in decibels. Its value is calculated utilizing a somewhat subjective or relative scale. Maybe it’s 1-100. But maybe it’s 1-16. You might be unaware of the maximum volume capacity of your device or how close you are to reaching that limit.
How to effectively monitor 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, empowering users to calibrate their music volume accordingly.
That’s why most hearing specialists encourage the use of one of many free noise tracking apps. These widely obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient 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
For instance, a volume level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound produced by a common garbage disposal or dishwasher – you can hear them, but they won’t blow your ears out. Identifying this benchmark is essential, as it represents the limit beyond which hearing damage becomes a tangible danger.
It’s crucial to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels go above this critical point. Think about reducing your exposure to extremely loud music by listening to specific songs at the highest volume rather than listening to entire albums.
Recurring exposure to increased volume levels can lead to hearing complications such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears move into the danger zone, we empower ourselves to make informed choices, with the paramount goal of fostering safer listening practices.
Make an appointment for a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is advisable to consult a hearing professional to schedule a comprehensive hearing test. Proactive measures like regular screenings can detect any possible problems early on, allowing for timely interventions and individualized recommendations to safeguard your precious sense of hearing.