James is a music aficionado who has excelled in the art of integrating his favorite music into his day-to-day life, easily shifting from Spotify at his workdesk to Pandora during his runs, and carefully putting together playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s working out, cooking a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his continual companions, transforming his life into a fully soundtracked experience. However, while James gets relaxaction and joy in the immersive world of music, the very thing he treasures could be silently damaging his precious sense of hearing.
There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more risky to your hearing health. Regrettably, many of us tend to incline towards the latter.
How does prolonged music exposure result in hearing loss?
Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in a decline in your auditory function. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as a problem associated with aging, but an increasing amount of research indicates that it’s actually the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the issue here and not anything intrinsic in the process of aging.
It also turns out that younger ears are particularly susceptible to noise-related damage (they’re still forming, after all). However, teenagers tend to disregard the possible hazards of excessive noise over time. An increasing amount of young people are experiencing hearing loss as a result of frequent use of loud headphones.
Is it possible to enjoy music safely?
Unregulated max volume is clearly the” dangerous” way to listen to music. There is a way to enjoy to music more safely, which typically means lowering the volume. The suggested safe volume levels are normally as follows:
- Adults should limit their device listening time to 40 hours or less and make sure the volume stays under 80 dB.
- If you’re younger than 18, 40 hours is still acceptable, just be certain to keep the sound at a safe level, 75 decibels or less.
Breaking it down, you’re dealing with approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes of listening each day. Though it might appear excessive, the time can pass surprisingly fast. In spite of this, most individuals have a well-developed awareness of time management, a skill that is generally mastered during early childhood.
The more challenging part is monitoring your volume. On the majority of smart devices, computers, and televisions, volume is not measured in decibels. Its value is established utilizing a somewhat subjective or relative scale. The range could be as broad as 1 to 100, or it could be as small as 1 to 16. You may 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
To address this issue, numerous free noise monitoring applications are available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps supply immediate feedback on surrounding noise levels, enabling users to fine-tune their listening volume to safe levels.
That’s why most hearing specialists recommend 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 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 beyond
For example, 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 volume level is important because it marks the point at which hearing loss becomes a real and substantial worry.
So, being extra vigilant when exceeding this decibel limit is essential. Consider reducing exposure to excessively loud music by enjoying certain tracks at full volume instead of indulging in complete albums.
Recurring exposure to increased volume levels can trigger hearing complications such as tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being aware of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed decisions in order to encourage safer listening habits.
Schedule a hearing assessment
For better prioritization of your hearing health, it is recommended to consult a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing test. Proactive measures such as regular assessments can detect any potential issues early on, allowing for timely interventions and personalized recommendations to protect your vital sense of hearing.
