James is a music aficionado who has mastered the art of incorporating his favorite music into his day-to-day life, easily transitioning from Spotify at his work-desk to Pandora on his runs, and meticulously crafting playlists to beautifully complement every activity, whether he’s pumping iron, whipping up a meal, or immersed in a gaming session. His headphones are his constant partners, converting his life into a completely soundtracked experience. James takes comfort and delight in the engaging world of music, but the very source of his happiness may be harming his treasured ability to hear without him realizing it.
There are safe ways to appreciate music and ways that are more hazardous to your hearing health. Sadly, many of us tend to gravitate towards the latter.
What is the relationship between prolonged exposure to music and hearing damage?
Extended exposure to loud music can lead to a decrease in your auditory function. We’re used to thinking of hearing loss as a problem associated with growing old, but an increasing amount of research indicates that it’s actually the accumulation of noise-related damage that is the concern here and not anything inherent in the process of aging.
Younger people are more prone 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 hazards of high volume. An increasing amount of young people are experiencing hearing loss due to frequent use of loud headphones.
Can one listen to music without any safety issues?
Listening to music at full blast without any limitations is the most hazardous approach. But there is a safe(er) way to enjoy your music, and it normally includes turning the volume down. The general guidelines for safe volumes are:
- For Adults: No more than 40 hours of listening on a device, and maintain the volume below 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 every day. That seems like a lot, but it can go by relatively quickly. Despite this, the majority of individuals possess a well-developed understanding of time management, a skill that is usually mastered during early childhood.
The more challenging facet entails keeping track of your sound level. Technologies like smartphones, computers, and TVs usually do not display volume in decibels. Its value is determined 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 might not have any idea what the max volume on your device is, or how close to the max you are.
How to properly monitor your music volume
Numerous free noise monitoring apps can be downloaded for both iPhone and Android devices to address this issue. These apps provide real-time information into ambient noise levels, enabling users to adjust their music volume appropriately.
For this reason, many audiologists recommend utilizing one of the numerous noise level tracking applications available at no cost. These extensively obtainable apps, compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, supply instant sound-level feedback on the ambient noise around you. In this manner, you can keep track of the decibel level of your music as it plays and make changes accordingly.
A volume comparison: garbage disposals and more
For instance, a noise level of 80 decibels is similar to the sound produced by a basic 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 tangible concern.
It’s important to exercise increased vigilance when noise levels surpass this critical point. Consider reducing exposure to overly loud music by indulging in select tracks at full volume rather than indulging in entire albums.
Repeated exposure to elevated volume levels can lead to hearing problems including tinnitus and eventual hearing loss. By being mindful of when our ears are at risk, we allow ourselves to make informed choices in order to promote safer listening habits.
Book an appointment for a hearing assessment
To further prioritize your hearing health, consider reaching out to a hearing specialist to schedule a thorough hearing test. Proactive steps such as routine assessments can identify any possible problems early on, enabling timely interventions and personalized recommendations to safeguard your vital sense of hearing.